As Nigeria approaches Valentine’s Day, a new controversy is brewing. Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has sparked nationwide debate after calling for the prohibition of Valentine’s Day in Nigeria, citing concerns over its alleged promotion of illicit sexual behaviors and immoral conduct among youths.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele, a vocal religious leader, condemned the celebration, which is observed annually on February 14. The day, which is traditionally associated with the exchange of love messages, gifts, and romantic gestures, has, according to the bishop, become a “global day of immorality.”
A ‘Day of Deception’
Ighele argued that the original purpose of Valentine’s Day—promoting charitable acts and humanitarian causes—has been hijacked and twisted into something far more sinister. He stressed that what was once a day focused on acts of kindness and benevolence has now been corrupted into a “deceptive celebration” that glorifies romantic love and, more dangerously, sexual behavior.
“The day has become an opportunity for the promotion of illicit sexual acts under the guise of romantic love. What was intended to be a day for helping the needy has now turned into a festival of immorality,” Ighele declared. “This day is not about love; it is a tool designed to push sexual exploitation into the mainstream.”
The bishop’s position is rooted in his belief that Valentine’s Day, with its focus on Cupid—the Roman god of love—has a demonic influence. Ighele likened the spirit of the day to that of “a romantic demon,” emphasizing that the celebration was tied to “Eros,” the Greek god of love, who he claimed was synonymous with the spread of sexual desire.
Cupid and the ‘Romantic Demon’
Ighele elaborated on the connections he sees between the celebration of Valentine’s Day and the ancient mythological figure of Cupid. According to him, Cupid is a “ruler of the darkness of this world,” referencing the Bible verse from Ephesians 6:11-12, which speaks of spiritual forces working in opposition to Christian values.
“The word ‘erotic,’ which is used to describe sexual desire, originates from Eros, the Greek god of love,” Ighele said. “When we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we are unwittingly celebrating a demon of sexual desire. We need to understand that what’s happening is not innocent—it’s a direct attack on the morals of our youth.”
While Ighele’s view may seem extreme to some, it taps into wider concerns among Nigerian religious leaders who believe that Western influences, including cultural events like Valentine’s Day, erode local traditions and values. For many, the celebration is seen not as a harmless occasion for love but as a dangerous import that fosters behavior that contradicts traditional family and societal norms.
The Influence on Youths and Society
Ighele emphasized that the day’s impact is particularly felt among the younger generation, who he believes are most vulnerable to the moral decline associated with the celebration. He pointed to the increasing rates of teenage pregnancies and sexual abuse as evidence of the harmful effects of Valentine’s Day.
“The youth today are growing up in a society where everything is sexualized, and Valentine’s Day only deepens this crisis,” the bishop stated. “Instead of celebrating selflessness and care for others, this day teaches young people that sex and romantic relationships are the ultimate goals in life.”
For many Nigerians, the idea of banning Valentine’s Day seems extreme, but Ighele’s call has sparked a conversation about what is appropriate to celebrate in a country where religious and cultural values often clash with global trends. His remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with issues related to morality, youth culture, and the influence of foreign customs.
A Call for Collective Action
While many Nigerians are familiar with the commercial side of Valentine’s Day, Ighele’s criticism goes beyond consumerism. His call for a ban is not just about ending a day of gifts and flowers but about protecting what he considers to be the moral fabric of society.
The bishop’s message was not only aimed at the government but also directed at other religious institutions, families, and schools. He urged Nigerians to unite in rejecting what he views as an external force pushing immorality onto the country. He said, “We must work together to reclaim our values. The government, the church, schools, and families all have roles to play in ensuring that our youth are not led down this destructive path.”
In addition to banning Valentine’s Day, Ighele suggested that the Nigerian government should impose stricter regulations on media content, particularly those that promote sexual themes and behavior. He also called for more education on the dangers of sexual exploitation and the need to promote “redeeming values” in the face of growing Western influence.
“We must teach our children about true love—selfless love that does not reduce people to objects of desire. That is the kind of love that will build a better society,” Ighele said.
Mixed Reactions to the Call for a Ban
The bishop’s call has ignited a variety of reactions across the country. Some Nigerians agree with Ighele, expressing concerns that Valentine’s Day has become too commercialized and sexualized, while others see the call as an overreaction.
“We should not let religious extremists dictate how we live our lives. Valentine’s Day is a day for people to show affection, not a day of evil,” said Faith Olamide, a Lagos-based entrepreneur. “I think people like Bishop Ighele need to focus on real issues, like poverty and insecurity, instead of banning harmless celebrations.”
On the other hand, some conservative groups have praised Ighele’s bold stance, agreeing that Valentine’s Day promotes values that conflict with Nigerian norms. Pastor Peter Okoro, a member of the Evangelical Alliance of Nigeria, stated, “The bishop’s position reflects what many of us have been saying for years. We must protect our children from these corrupting influences.”
