- Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission called for a ban on Valentine's Day celebrations in Nigeria
- He stated that the day has been misinterpreted as a celebration of romance rather than its original intent of promoting altruism and humanitarian efforts
- Ighele argued that Valentine's Day promotes a culture of seduction and sexual indulgence, normalising promiscuity and exerting a negative influence on the youth
Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission based in Ikeja, Lagos State, has stirred controversy by advocating for a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria.
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Ighele expressed concerns about the day’s associations with illicit sexual behaviour, arguing that it has strayed from its original purpose.
According to Ighele, the celebration has shifted from promoting altruism and humanitarian efforts to fostering a culture of seduction and indulgence.
He stated, “The dictionary defines the word erotic as relating to or tendency to arouse sexual desire or excitement.”
He believes that Valentine’s Day sparks sexual impulses in people and promotes entertainment tied to these desires, ultimately normalising promiscuity.
The Bishop further criticised that the influence of “cupid” leads society to designate February 14 as a special day where individuals feel at liberty to act on sexual whims, overshadowing what should be a focus on charity and support for those in need.
He described Cupid as “a romantic demon” and referenced Ephesians 6:11-12, arguing that the entity is one of the “rulers of darkness” leading people astray.
He further explained that Cupid, the Roman embodiment of love, is synonymous with the Greek god Eros, from whom the term “erotic” derives from his view.
According to him, he implied that Valentine’s Day has been misinterpreted as a celebration of romance, failing to honour its roots in altruism and humanitarian efforts. Describing the current celebration as "a deception from the devil to impose a universal day of immorality on planet earth," Ighele lamented that many individuals—young and adult alike—have fallen for this misguided notion of love, ignoring the agape love conveyed in the Bible.
“The Bible tells us that ‘God is love,’ and it is very certain that God will not want His type of love celebrated this way,” he asserted.
Bishop Ighele calls for government intervention
Ighele urged government authorities and community leaders to come together to prohibit the observance of Valentine’s Day, which he believes exerts a negative influence on the youth.
He concluded by emphasising that collaboration among the government, religious institutions, schools, and families is vital in promoting redeeming social values, suggesting that banning the holiday could guard society against moral decay.
The Bishop emphasised the need for collaboration among government, religious institutions, schools, and families to promote redeeming social values and guard against moral decay.
Reactions trail Bishop Ighele's address
Here are some reactions below:
@engrosasboss commented: “Christmas and Easter are also celebrations for Deities, why not talk about them?”
@life.offife commented: “I no wan know if na lie make dem just ban it Ejhur so we wey no get partner wey fit gift is will be able to breathe well.”
@reina_kese commented: “ignorance is no longer bliss o.”
@class_annie commented; “Since you know the ruler what have you done to capture it?
Every pastor knows the names of every demon and their whereabouts but can't capture it.”
@zabe_xo commented: “Is Cupid not in mythologies, just like Aphrodite and the rest, how's he a demon?”
@smart_artistic_design commented: “Its not valentine's day It's saint valentine's Day, but the world has made it to another thing.”
@halima_joshua_francis commented: “I support this.”
@imadaniel_m commented: “We d single people support you.”
@tinamatty commented: “See his long mouth.... As a man of God you don't know why we celebrate Saint Valentine?huh.”
@memesbydami commented: “Una go dey against this one awon omo baliali.”
@engrosasboss commented: ‘Christmas and Easter are also celebrations for Deities, why not talk about them?”
@hookedbyanike commented: “I agree sir,let's ban it.”
@captain_jack commented: “Sir, I'm with you in this one.”
@only_one_oyin commented: “Won de ooooo pastor isonu.”
@mayah_tickles commented: “Yes daddy make them ban am.......”
@ginah_Israel commented: “U no fit call to ban bad leader of this country na valentine day u see Weldon sir.”
Valentine’s Day gift ideas for men below N20,000
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier highlighted thoughtful gifting ideas for one’s partner and creating memories without breaking the bank.
As Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for the man in your life doesn’t have to drain your wallet and a thoughtful present goes a long way in showing love and appreciation for your boyfriend, husband, or even a close friend.