Valentine’s Day: Cleric urges Nigerian youths to shun fornication, adultery
Bishop Urges Youths to Embrace True Love on Valentine’s Day
As Nigeria celebrates Valentine’s Day, Bishop Israel Alaya has called on young people to view the occasion as an opportunity to promote agape love rather than a reason for sexual immorality. The Presiding Bishop of Dominion Bible Church International in Quarry, Abeokuta, made this statement during a Valentine walk themed “Living in Purity is Possible.”
Alaya highlighted concerns over common behaviors associated with the holiday, noting that hotels are often fully booked as individuals seek secluded spaces for illicit activities. He emphasized that the celebration should not be linked to fornication or adultery.
Leading a group of youths on a walk through Quarry, Post Office, and Panseke, Alaya carried placards advocating messages such as “Say No to Rape,” “No to Flirting,” and “Purity in Education.” The event aimed to raise awareness, particularly among the youth, regarding the importance of personal integrity.
“The notion over the years is that Valentine’s Day leads to increased illicit activities,” Alaya said. “God intends for sex to be confined to marriage, and anything outside of that is unacceptable.” He reinforced the idea that individuals’ bodies are not commodities, but rather temples meant for God.
The Bishop urged parents to engage in open, sensitive discussions with their children to foster trust and prevent deception. “Parents should remain close to their children and not allow external influences to corrupt their lives,” he urged.
In addition, Alaya called on leaders at all levels of government to ensure justice is served fairly and promptly. He expressed concern over the lack of action in prosecuting individuals identified by international authorities as sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria.
“To our leaders, it is vital to genuinely demonstrate what love is,” he stated. “If we love our communities, we cannot engage in acts of violence. We urge the government to take decisive action against those involved in terrorism.”
Bishop Alaya’s remarks serve as both a message of hope and a call to responsibility within Nigerian society.
