Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission, has urged Nigerian authorities to ban the celebration of Valentine’s Day, citing its association with immorality and the promotion of romantic relationships.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ighele argued that Valentine’s Day has deviated from its original purpose of promoting charity and humanitarian efforts.
Instead, he claimed, it has become a tool for encouraging illicit sexual activities among youths.
“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.
According to him, Cupid, the Roman god of love, influences sexual desires and spreads a culture of eroticism, which has led to the widespread commercialization of Valentine’s Day as a day of romance rather than one of genuine love and kindness.
“The English word ‘erotic’ has its root in the Greek god of love, Eros. The celebration of this day inspires sexual feelings and spreads sexual entertainment in order to further institutionalize immorality,” he added.
The bishop called on the government, religious institutions, schools, and families to work together in promoting social values that focus on moral and ethical development.
He believes that banning Valentine’s Day celebrations would help protect young people from what he describes as a growing culture of moral decline.