Bishop Charles Ighele Calls for Ban on Valentine’s Day Celebration in Nigeria
Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has called for a ban on the celebration of Valentine’s Day in Nigeria, citing concerns over illicit sexual behavior and the promotion of romantic relationships associated with the day.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele argued that Valentine’s Day has strayed from its original purpose of promoting charity and humanitarian efforts. He described the celebration as a “deception from the devil,” one that imposes a “universal day of immorality” on the world.
Ighele further linked the day to Cupid, the Roman god of love, suggesting that the figure inspires sexual feelings and promotes sexual entertainment. He warned of the negative influence Valentine’s Day has on young people and urged authorities to ban the celebration.
The bishop emphasized the need to foster cultures that promote social and moral values and called for a unified effort among the government, church, schools, and families to counter the harmful effects of the day. He believes that banning the celebration would protect people from moral destruction.
“The day is associated with a romantic demon known as Cupid, one of the rulers of the darkness of this world, as described in Ephesians 6:11-12,” Ighele explained. “Cupid is the Roman counterpart of Eros, the Greek god of love. The term ‘erotic’ comes from Eros, which is defined as relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire.”
Ighele expressed concern that the celebration fosters sexual feelings and spreads sexual entertainment, further institutionalizing sexual behavior.
