Entertainment

NFVCB Asks Ini Edo to Change Title of ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ After CAN Backlash

Published

1 month ago

December 19, 2025

Ini Edo

NFVCB Asks Ini Edo to Change Title of ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ After CAN Backlash

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has formally asked Nollywood actress and producer Ini Edo to modify the title of her newly released film, “A Very Dirty Christmas,” following public backlash and concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The family drama, which hit cinemas on December 16, sparked controversy after CAN described the title as “offensive and a mockery” of the Christian faith. In a statement, the Christian body argued that associating the sacred Christmas season with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual significance and could offend Christian sensibilities.

CAN called on the film’s producers and promoters to reconsider the title and issue a public apology. The association also questioned how the title passed through the regulatory scrutiny of the NFVCB, Nigeria’s statutory body responsible for film classification and approval.

Responding to the controversy, Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director and CEO of the NFVCB, said the board recognises that public perception and reception are crucial elements of effective regulation. He disclosed that the board had engaged the producers and requested a title modification to prevent misinterpretation and religious tension.

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According to Husseini, the film was approved and classified based on its content and context, describing it as a work of fictional and creative expression. He stressed that the approval was not intended to disparage or trivialise the Christian faith or the significance of Christmas.

“We have heard their concern, and we have to reason together because there is no way we will not listen to a very important religious body like CAN,” Husseini said.

“The film, as approved, has nothing to do with Christianity. However, in light of the concerns raised, and in the spirit of dialogue, the NFVCB has requested a modification of the title to avoid interpretations that may be considered offensive.”

He noted that the decision aligns with Section 39(1) of the NFVCB Act, which empowers the board to order the withdrawal of a film from exhibition for further review when deemed necessary in the public interest.

Although Husseini said there was no formal communication from CAN to the board, he explained that the NFVCB acted proactively in response to issues already circulating in the media space. He reassured Nigerians that religious sensitivity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence remain central to the board’s mandate.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. The NFVCB is committed to ensuring that films exhibited in the country do not undermine religious harmony while still supporting responsible creativity and artistic expression,” he added.

‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, directed by Akay Mason, tells the story of a family Christmas reunion that spirals into emotional turmoil as long-buried secrets and past traumas resurface, turning what should be a joyful celebration into a tense holiday experience.

The film features an ensemble cast including Eucharia Anunobi, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Wumi Toriola, and others.

NFVCB Asks Ini Edo to Change Title of ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ After CAN Backlash

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Tonto Dikeh Reconciles With Ex-Husband Churchill After 10-Year Feud

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4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

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Tonto Dikeh Reconciles With Ex-Husband Churchill After 10-Year Feud

Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh has announced a reconciliation with her former husband, Olakunle “Churchill” Oladunni, bringing an end to their decade-long public feud that played out across courts and social media.

The actress made the disclosure in an emotional post on her social media platforms, describing the reconciliation as a “divine restoration” achieved through prayer, forgiveness and humility. According to her, years of bitterness and conflict have given way to peace and mutual respect.

Tonto Dikeh and Churchill got married in 2015 but separated shortly after, with their divorce in 2017 followed by prolonged disputes, particularly over the welfare of their son, King Andre Churchill. The feud became one of the most talked-about celebrity fallouts in Nigeria, often drawing widespread public attention.

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In her message, Dikeh said the renewed relationship was not driven by personal strength but by faith, noting that reconciliation is possible even after deep emotional wounds. She also appreciated Churchill for embracing peace and prioritising harmony.

Entertainment analysts say the development marks a significant turning point in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile celebrity disputes, with fans and colleagues praising the pair for choosing peace over prolonged conflict.

The announcement has since generated massive reactions online, with many describing the reconciliation as a powerful example of healing, maturity and forgiveness in the public eye.

Tonto Dikeh Reconciles With Ex-Husband Churchill After 10-Year Feud

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Why Gospel Singer Omije Ojumi Wasn’t Flown Abroad for Treatment

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12 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

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Why Gospel Singer Omije Ojumi Wasn’t Flown Abroad for Treatment

Nigerian gospel singer Omije Ojumi, celebrated for her inspiring worship songs, was not flown abroad for specialized medical treatment due to her fragile health, fellow gospel artiste Alayo Melody has revealed.

In a video shared on social media, Melody said that although plans were underway to take Omije Ojumi to India for advanced medical care, doctors eventually declared her too weak to travel after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment.

Melody also highlighted the support from Prophets Sam and Taiwo Ojo, who reportedly covered the visa and medical expenses and made repeated attempts to secure travel documents before her condition worsened.

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The news of Omije Ojumi’s death at age 46 has deeply affected the Nigerian gospel community, with fans and fellow ministers sharing tributes to her ministry. Plans for her burial, initially scheduled to start with a service of songs on January 20 and a private interment on January 21, were delayed due to family disputes.

Her passing has also sparked discussions about the challenges Nigerian artists face accessing medical treatment abroad and the difficulties families encounter during serious illnesses. Despite her untimely death, Omije Ojumi’s music continues to inspire worshippers, solidifying her legacy in Nigerian gospel music.

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Yeni Kuti Speaks Out on Seun–Wizkid Feud Over Fela’s Iconic Legacy

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12 hours ago

January 24, 2026

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Yeni Kuti Speaks Out on Seun–Wizkid Feud Over Fela’s Iconic Legacy

Yeni Kuti, daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has finally broken her silence on the escalating Seun Kuti and Wizkid feud, calling for calm and mutual respect as the online dispute continues to dominate Nigeria’s entertainment space.

The controversy began after Seun Kuti publicly criticised comparisons between Wizkid and his late father, arguing that such narratives diminish Fela’s legacy and misrepresent Afrobeat history. His comments triggered strong reactions from Wizkid FC, leading to a heated exchange online that later drew a response from the Afrobeats superstar himself.

Reacting to the development, Yeni Kuti expressed disappointment that her father’s name and cultural legacy were dragged into what she described as an avoidable clash between artists and fanbases. Speaking during a media appearance, she stressed that Wizkid has long enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Kuti family, recalling his past performances at the New Afrika Shrine and his respect for Fela’s influence.

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Yeni described Wizkid as a “friend of the family” and appealed to both camps to de-escalate tensions, warning that prolonged public disputes only distract from celebrating Nigeria’s musical heritage. She noted that the frequent reference to Fela decades after his death reflects his enduring relevance, but insisted that his legacy should not be weaponised in modern fan wars.

The feud has continued to attract widespread reactions from fans, industry commentators and cultural analysts, reigniting debates around fan culture, music comparisons, and how legends should be honoured without undermining contemporary artists.

As conversations around the clash persist online, Yeni Kuti’s intervention is being seen as a call for unity within Nigeria’s creative community, urging artists and supporters alike to prioritise respect over rivalry.