The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has come under fire after condemning Nollywood actress Ini Edo’s new film A Very Dirty Christmas, with critics accusing the body of misplaced priorities and selective outrage.
CAN described the movie’s title as “offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith,” insisting that Christmas is sacred and should not be associated with the word “dirty.” The association demanded explanations from the National Film and Video Censors Board on how such a title was approved.
But the statement has triggered a storm of criticism. Nigerians on social media argue that CAN has remained largely silent on more pressing issues, from allegations of pastors raping minors, to the public dispute involving Pastor Chris Okafor and actress Doris Ogala, to Christians being killed by bandits in northern Nigeria.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: “So CAN can speak loudly about a movie title, but not about pastors abusing children? Hypocrisy at its peak.” Another added: “Christians are being slaughtered by bandits, yet CAN finds its voice only when Nollywood drops a film. What exactly is their mission?”
Others mocked the association’s stance. “Dirty Christmas is just a movie. Dirty silence is what CAN practices when real issues happen,” posted a Facebook commenter.
Supporters of CAN, however, defended the body’s intervention. “Christmas is holy. If we don’t protect it from ridicule, who will?” argued one Instagram user. Another said: “It’s not about ignoring other issues, it’s about safeguarding the faith from cultural erosion.”
The controversy has reignited debate over the role of religious institutions in Nigeria. Should CAN be a watchdog against moral decay in entertainment, or should its voice be louder against systemic abuses and violence affecting Christians?
For many Nigerians, the uproar is less about Ini Edo’s film and more about CAN’s credibility. By focusing on a Nollywood title while appearing muted on scandals and killings, critics say the association risks losing moral authority.
