Why Valentine Day should be banned in Nigeria – Bishop Charles Ighele

• Ighele called for action against illicit sexual abuse and promotion of romantic relationships in an interview with NAN.

• Ighele argues that Valentine’s Day, originally intended to promote humanitarian aid, has been misinterpreted as a deceptive day promoting immorality worldwide.

Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has advocated for the prohibition of Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria.

In a discussion with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele pointed to the issues of illicit sexual conduct and the encouragement of romantic relationships linked to this day as the basis for his appeal.

He argued that Valentine’s Day has strayed from its initial intent of fostering support for the less fortunate and engaging in humanitarian efforts. He characterized the occasion as a “deception from the devil,” which imposes a “universal day of immorality” upon society.

Ighele remarked that the observance of Valentine’s Day is tied to the Roman deity of love, Cupid, which he contends incites sexual desires and promotes sexual entertainment.

He called upon authorities to ban the celebration due to its detrimental effects on the youth.

The bishop underscored the necessity of fostering cultures that uphold redeeming social values and urged collaboration among the government, religious institutions, educational establishments, and families in this initiative.

He is convinced that prohibiting Valentine’s Day celebrations would help rescue individuals from moral decline.

“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 verses 11 and 12,” he said.

“Cupid is the Roman name for the Greek god of love known as Eros. The English word erotic has its root in Eros.

“The dictionary defines the word erotic as relating to or tendency to arouse sexual desire or excitement.

”The celebration of the day inspires s3xual feelings on people and spread s3xual entertainment in order to further institutionalise s3x,” he said.