Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has called for a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations in Nigeria. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the day has been misinterpreted and is now associated with illicit sexual activity and the promotion of romantic relationships, rather than its original purpose of aiding the needy. Ighele described it as a “deception from the devil” and a “universal day of immorality.”
He connects the celebration to the Roman god Cupid (and the Greek god Eros), arguing that it inspires sexual feelings and promotes sexual entertainment.
He believes Cupid is a “ruler of the darkness of this world” and that the word “erotic” derives from Eros.
Ighele urged authorities to ban the celebration due to its negative impact on young people.
He stressed the need to promote positive social values and called for a combined effort from the government, churches, schools, and families to achieve this. He believes a ban would help protect people from “destruction.”