The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced strong objections over the title of a new Nollywood movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, describing it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, the association emphasized that Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing purity, peace, love, and redemption. They argued that associating the holiday with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn celebration to something crude and sensational.

While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom, CAN stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly, especially in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. Creativity, they said, should foster understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.

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

CAN also urged industry stakeholders, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), to take a firm stance on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

The association appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the dignity they deserve.

“At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialize sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect,” CAN added.