Ayomide Olaniyan
The Christian body has voiced deep disapproval of the film’s title, labeling it as insensitive and offensive to millions of believers who hold Christmas in reverence.
CAN emphasized that Christmas symbolizes a holy occasion commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ—a time of divine purity, reconciliation, and goodwill. The association expressed dismay at the linking of this sacred celebration with a term like “dirty,” which it argues disrespects the essence of the season.
In its statement, CAN acknowledged the importance of artistic liberty but stressed that such freedom should be balanced with cultural and religious mindfulness, particularly in a pluralistic society like Nigeria. It insisted that creative works should foster harmony, not undermine religious convictions.
Raising concerns over regulatory oversight, CAN questioned how the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) permitted the approval of such a provocative title, especially during Christmas—the very period it disrespects.
The association also called upon industry stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to adopt stricter ethical guidelines on the portrayal of religious themes to prevent future controversies.
CAN further urged the filmmakers to retract the contentious title, issue a formal apology, and commit to greater sensitivity when handling religious content. It specifically called on actress and producer Ini Edo to rectify the situation by acknowledging the grievances of the Christian community.
“At a time when Nigeria grapples with societal and moral decline, trivializing faith-based observances only fuels discord and weakens collective respect,” the statement concluded.
Oluwaseun Adeyemi
