Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has been left in tears following a major controversy surrounding the title of her new movie, 'A Very Dirty Christmas'. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly objected to the title, describing it as offensive to the Christian faith, and has moved to have the film pulled down.
Emotional Plea from the Actress
During a live session on Sunday, December 20, 2025, an emotional Ini Edo broke down while addressing the issue. The actress, who is also a mother, expressed deep regret, stating she never intended to dishonour God or Christians with her choice of title. "If I had known the title 'A Very Dirty Christmas' would cause a problem, I would have changed it. CAN, I am sorry. I never meant to dishonour God or Christians. I am a Christian too," she said amidst tears.
Ini Edo appealed directly to CAN and the public, urging them to watch the movie first before passing judgment. She promised that if the content was found to be disrespectful in any way, she would personally take it down. The star also highlighted the significant time and effort invested in the project and requested more time to modify the contentious title. "I really wish you had something earlier. I would figure out how to change the title, don't pull it down," she pleaded.
Regulatory Body Steps In
The controversy escalated when CAN formally complained about the movie title, questioning the appropriateness of linking the word "dirty" with the sacred Christmas celebration. In response, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) intervened. The board's Director-General, Shaibu Husseini, acknowledged CAN's concerns and confirmed that Ini Edo had been directed to modify the movie's title.
This regulatory move added pressure on the filmmaker, leading to her public emotional appeal. The situation has put a spotlight on the delicate balance between creative expression and religious sensitivity in Nigeria's vibrant film industry.
Nigerians React with Mixed Feelings
The drama has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many Nigerians criticising CAN's focus. A significant number of comments pointed to what they see as misplaced priorities by the religious body.
One social media user, ivoh_ivoh, commented: "She should not take it down. CAN has been playing politics with the lives of Christians who are being slaughtered by Fulani militia. It has come to a mere name of a movie and they are having erections."
Another user, Judechigozie3, echoed similar sentiments: "Misplaced priority. People that supposed to be fighting what is killing its members & believers in Benue state way & parts of Nigeria but no they are fighting person wey no dey fight them."
However, not all reactions were in support of the actress. User TowersO offered a different perspective: "Only fools will see CAN’s action as wrong. They should have titled the movie 'A very dirty Eid' & release it towards end of Ramadan."
The online debate highlights a deeper societal conversation about the role of religious bodies in regulating creative content versus addressing other pressing national issues.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on Ini Edo to see how she will navigate the title change and whether her heartfelt apology will be enough to placate the concerned authorities and a section of the Christian community.
