The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the title of a new Nollywood movie, “A Very Dirty Christmas,” calling it offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a statement released by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over the title’s implications, especially given the sacred nature of the Christmas season.
CAN emphasized that Christmas is a time of purity, peace, love, and redemption, and that associating it with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance. The association stated that while it respects creative freedom, such liberties should be exercised responsibly and with sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.
The Christian body also questioned how the film’s title passed through regulatory channels without adequate scrutiny and called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain the approval. Furthermore, CAN urged industry bodies and Nollywood stakeholders to take a clear stance on the use of religious themes in ways that could offend faith communities. The association has appealed to the movie’s producers, including Ini Edo, to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and treat religious symbols with the dignity they deserve. CAN believes that actions trivializing sacred values deepen division and erode mutual respect, especially during a time of moral and social challenges.
