The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized Nollywood actress Ini Edo over the title of her new Christmas-themed movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, calling it offensive and insensitive to Christians.
In a statement released on Wednesday, December 17, CAN president Archbishop Daniel Okoh said the title crosses a sensitive religious line, disrespecting the sacred nature of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizes purity, peace, love, and redemption. The association argued that pairing the word “dirty” with Christmas diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces the celebration to something crude and sensational.
While acknowledging artistic freedom, CAN stressed that creativity must be exercised responsibly, particularly in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. The association questioned how the film passed regulatory checks and urged the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public release during a season of heightened religious significance.
CAN also called on Nollywood stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a clear stance on the portrayal of religious themes and symbols in films to promote unity rather than provoke division. The body requested that Ini Edo reconsider the movie’s title and issue a public apology to Christians, warning that ignoring these concerns could exacerbate social tensions.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that actions trivializing sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect, especially during a period when the nation faces serious moral and social challenges.
