The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has publicly criticized Nollywood actress Ini Edo over her new movie titled A Very Dirty Christmas.
In a statement released on Wednesday by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the title as “offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.”
CAN argued that Christmas is a holy season representing “purity, peace, love and redemption.” They expressed concern that “linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.”
While the group acknowledges artistic freedom, they insisted that “creativity should build understanding and unity, not offend deeply held beliefs.”
The religious body also questioned the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), demanding an explanation for how the title was approved. “CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season,” Okoh stated. He further urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to ensure that movies do not “provoke division.”