CAN Slams Ini Edo Over “Dirty Christmas” Movie Title
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong objection to the title of a movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas,” describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
CAN said Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes purity, peace, love, and redemption, arguing that associating such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and trivializes a solemn religious observance.
In a statement issued by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said while it respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such freedoms must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
“Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” Okoh said, adding that CAN was concerned the film’s title passed through regulatory and professional channels without sufficient scrutiny.
The association called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season. CAN also urged industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders to take a firm position on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
CAN further appealed to the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity.
The association specifically called on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.
“At a time when the nation is already grappling with serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect,” the statement said.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, noting that it would continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.
Friday Olokor
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong objection to the title of a movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas,” describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
CAN said Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes purity, peace, love, and redemption, arguing that associating such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and trivialises a solemn religious observance.
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said while it respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such freedoms must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
“Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs,” Okoh said, adding that CAN was concerned the film’s title passed through regulatory and professional channels without sufficient scrutiny.
The association called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season. CAN also urged industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders to take a firm position on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.
CAN further appealed to the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity.
The association specifically called on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.
“At a time when the nation is already grappling with serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialize sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect,” the statement said.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, noting that it would continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.
