Bishop Ighele Calls for Valentine’s Day Ban in Nigeria
Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has strongly advocated for the ban of Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele expressed his concerns over the negative impact of the annual celebration, citing moral corruption and the misrepresentation of its original intent.
According to Bishop Ighele, Valentine’s Day has deviated significantly from its historical roots of humanitarian service and aid to the needy. Instead, he described it as a “deception from the devil,” promoting a universal culture of immorality. The bishop strongly believes that the day has been hijacked by societal influences that encourage illicit sexual activities and the promotion of romantic relationships, particularly among the youth.
Ighele further linked Valentine’s Day celebrations to the Roman god of love, Cupid, who is often depicted as a cherubic figure inspiring romantic and sexual attraction. He argued that Cupid, known in Greek mythology as Eros, is associated with eroticism and the spread of sexual indulgence.
“The day is associated with a romantic demon known as Cupid. This demon is one of the rulers of the darkness of this world, as found in Ephesians 6:11-12,” Ighele stated.
He further explained that the English word “erotic” originates from Eros, reinforcing his belief that the day fosters an environment of sexual excitement and indulgence rather than genuine love and care.
Bishop Ighele urged Nigerian authorities to ban Valentine’s Day, emphasizing that the celebration negatively influences the youth and institutionalises sexual entertainment. He highlighted that instead of embracing a culture that encourages immorality, the nation should focus on promoting values that build character and social responsibility.
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To address these concerns, Ighele called upon various institutions, including the government, churches, schools, and families, to work together in instilling moral discipline. He stressed that banning the celebration would help redeem individuals from destructive lifestyles.
“The celebration of the day inspires sexual feelings in people and spreads sexual entertainment in order to further institutionalise sex,” he said.
While Valentine’s Day is globally recognised as a day for celebrating love and affection, Bishop Charles Ighele’s perspective highlights concerns about its influence on Nigerian society. His call for a ban reflects a deeper moral debate on the impact of cultural practices on societal values. Whether or not the government takes action, his statements serve as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding the preservation of moral integrity in Nigeria.
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Picture Credit | https://guardian.ng/
