‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ by Ini Edo Is Offensive to Christian Faith – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the title of the film A Very Dirty Christmas, produced by Nollywood actress Ini Edo, as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the title trivialises the spiritual significance of Christmas, a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and embodies values of purity, peace, love and redemption.

According to the Association, linking Christmas with the word “dirty” undermines the sanctity of the season and reduces a solemn religious observance to what it described as a crude and sensational expression that offends the sensibilities of millions of Christians.

“Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption. Associating such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ diminishes its spiritual meaning and disrespects deeply held Christian values,” Archbishop Okoh said.

Beyond the religious concerns, CAN questioned the regulatory process that allowed the film’s title to be approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas period. The Association called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title passed through official scrutiny.

CAN also urged Nollywood professional bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and other industry stakeholders to take a more active role in ensuring that religious symbols, themes and sacred seasons are treated with sensitivity and respect in creative works.

While affirming its respect for artistic freedom and creative expression, CAN stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, warning that content perceived as disrespectful to faith traditions could deepen divisions and erode mutual respect.

The Christian body called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title and issue a public apology. It specifically urged Ini Edo to address the concerns raised by the Christian community and demonstrate sensitivity to religious values.

CAN further cautioned that, at a time when the country is grappling with moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values risk worsening societal tensions.

Despite its strong criticism, the Association said it remains committed to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue, adding that it will continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space.

As of press time, Ini Edo and the film’s promoters had not issued an official response to CAN’s statement.