CAN Condemns Ini Edo’s “A Very Dirty Christmas” Movie, Demands Apology

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned a movie produced by actress Ini Edo titled A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the film’s title trivialises the true spiritual meaning of Christmas and undermines values that are sacred to millions of Christians across Nigeria.

The association emphasised that creative expression should foster unity and mutual respect, rather than provoke or offend deeply held religious beliefs. CAN noted that Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption, warning that associating the holy season with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance.

“Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love, and redemption. Linking such a holy celebration with the word ‘dirty’ reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational,” Archbishop Okoh said.

CAN further expressed concern that a film with such a title passed through professional and regulatory channels without sufficient scrutiny. The association therefore called on the National Film and Video Censors Board to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.

Additionally, CAN urged the producers and promoters of the movie to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take intentional steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.