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A Very Dirty Christmas – CAN Blows Hot Over Title Of New Nollywood Movie, Cautions Ini Edo

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed outrage over the title of a new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.

CAN said it considers the title offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

The Christian body noted that Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption, adding 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.

CAN, in a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, its President, said while it respects creative freedom and artistic expression, such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria.

It added that creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.

The association said it is concerned that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny.

CAN therefore 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 bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

Furthermore, CAN called on “the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the dignity they deserve. In this regard”.

CAN urged the producer of the movie, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.

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

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Niger School Abduction: We Aren’t Officially Aware Of 100 Students Release – CAN

The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has stated that it has not received any official confirmation about reports claiming that 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri have been released.

In a statement issued on Monday, the state chairman of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said the association and affected communities have not been formally notified of any release.

“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return,” Yohanna said.

“If it is true, then it is cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and look forward to when the remaining will be released,” he added.

Recall that the abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when bandits attacked the school and kidnapped 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers.

However, about 50 pupils escaped within the first 24 hours and were reunited with their families.

Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school and assured parents that the remaining abductees were safe and would soon return home.

Reacting to reports of the release during a Channels Television programme on Sunday, former Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (retd.), commended the Federal Government and security agencies for what he described as a significant breakthrough.

“My take is that the government and the security agencies have done a lot, and I believe that Nigerians will be happy for this.

“I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever way or means were used to get these children out,” Enenche said.

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Trump Said He’s Fighting Terrorists Not Nigerians – CAN

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend Joseph Hayab has clarified that United States President Donald Trump said he’s fighting against terrorists not Nigerians.

He was reacting to Trump’s statement on the k!lling of Christians in Nigeria.

According to Hayab, Trump’s statement was intentionally misrepresented by many people.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Wednesday, November 12, Hayab clarified that Trump never threatened to invade Nigeria but merely urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against terrorists targeting Christians.
“Listening to what Trump said, Trump never said he was going to come to fight Nigeria. There’s a twisting of all these things,” Hayab said.
 
“Trump simply said, ‘Go after these terrorists; if you don’t go after them, we can come and go after them.’ So, who is afraid of Trump coming to Nigeria?”

Hayab stressed that acknowledging the reality of attacks on Christians is the first step toward national reconciliation and peace.

 
“You can’t tell someone who is a victim, who is in pain, that his cries are not true,” he said.
 
“Once we stop doing that, then we’ll find a solution. Let’s admit that people came and killed Christians, and they came in the name of religion. They came as Islamic fundamentalists.”
He, however, clarified that Christians are not accusing all Muslims but rather extremists who use religion as a cover for violence.
“No Christian is saying Muslims had a meeting and asked people to go and kill them, but Christians are saying that fundamentalists, terrorists came in the name of Islam and killed Christians. When we acknowledge that fact, then we’ve started a journey of healing,” he explained.
The CAN chairman called for empathy and dialogue among Nigerians, noting that honest conversations are key to restoring national trust.
“When we begin to talk to one another and understand the feelings and pain that people are going through, people will trust any conversation we bring to the table,” Hayab said.
He urged government officials to stop dismissing reports of religious killings and instead engage directly with affected communities to rebuild confidence and foster unity.
Reacting to criticisms that Trump’s statement represents an American political agenda, Hayab argued that Nigerian leaders should be more concerned about addressing the grievances of victims than debating Trump’s motives.
“Before you tell me about Trump’s agenda, have you shown concern when I was burying people in large numbers?” he asked.
“If you fail to act and Trump says he’s coming, let him come, at least it will show you’re not the only one watching.”
President Trump recently drew attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, warning of consequences if the Nigerian government failed to act against terrorists targeting religious minorities.
The statement, which has stirred controversy, was interpreted by some as a threat of military intervention, prompting clarifications from both U.S. officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
Trump’s comment follows several reports of sectarian violence in northern Nigeria, including attacks on Christian communities in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and other states.
Reverend Hayab’s comments come amid renewed calls for the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward curbing religiously motivated killings and ensuring justice for victims across the country.

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