Christmas Is Sacred, Not Dirty – CAN Reacts to Ini Edo’s New Film

• The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the title of Nollywood actress Ini Edo’s new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith.
• CAN argues that associating Christmas with the word “dirty” diminishes the sacred meaning of the season.
• The group has demanded an explanation from the National Film and Video Censors Board, called on industry bodies to prevent divisive conten

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.”

CAN is now calling for a public apology and a title change, warning that trivializing sacred values only serves to “deepen division and erode mutual respect.”