Valentine’s Day Should Be Banned- Nigerian Bishop

Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has called for the prohibition of Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria, citing concerns over the promotion of illicit sexual behaviour and romantic relationships.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele argued that the day, originally intended to encourage humanitarian efforts, has been misconstrued and now promotes immorality. He described Valentine’s Day as a “deception from the devil” that serves as a “universal day of immorality.”

Ighele further claimed that the celebration is linked to the Roman god of love, Cupid, who he believes encourages sexual feelings and fuels sexual entertainment. He warned that this influence could have a negative impact on Nigerian youth and called on authorities to take action.

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Emphasising the need to promote values that support social well-being, Ighele urged the government, churches, schools, and families to work together to counter what he views as the negative influence of Valentine’s Day. He also expressed his belief that banning the day would help protect people from the destructive forces it encourages.

“This day is associated with the romantic demon known as Cupid,” Ighele said. “Cupid is one of the rulers of the darkness of this world, as referenced in Ephesians 6:11-12. The English term ‘erotic’ comes from Eros, the Greek counterpart of Cupid, which is defined as arousing sexual desire.”

Some organisations have called for alternative ways to mark the occasion in order to promote moral values.