Bishop Calls for Valentine’s Day Ban, Citing Moral Concerns
Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission in Lagos, has called for the prohibition of Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria. According to him, the day has strayed from its original intent of humanitarian service and has instead become a celebration of romance, often leading to immoral behavior.
In an interview, Bishop Ighele expressed concern that many people, especially young individuals and married couples, have embraced a distorted view of love, prioritizing physical attraction over genuine, selfless care.
He pointed out that Valentine’s Day is historically linked to the Roman god Cupid, often associated with romantic and erotic desires. He argued that this influence encourages unhealthy relationships and fosters a culture that prioritizes fleeting pleasures over true love and responsibility.
“The Bible teaches that ‘God is love,’ and it is unlikely that God would want love to be celebrated in a way that promotes immorality,” the cleric stated. He urged the government, churches, schools, and families to work together in promoting values that uplift society rather than encourage destructive behaviors.
Valentine’s Day, originally a Christian feast honoring Saint Valentine, has evolved into a widely recognized occasion for expressing affection. While it is not a public holiday, it remains a cultural and commercial celebration in many parts of the world. However, some countries choose not to observe it due to religious or societal concerns.
Bishop Ighele believes banning the celebration in Nigeria would help protect young people from negative influences and reinforce positive moral values. He called on authorities to take action, emphasizing the need to preserve the true essence of love.
