Clerics and community leaders across Nigeria have called on young people, especially teenage girls, to uphold dignity and avoid risky behaviours as Valentine’s Day is being celebrated today, Saturday, February 14th 2026.
Speaking at the 2026 Chastity Edition programme in Surulere on Tuesday, February 10th, Chidi Udo said, “We are promoting chastity because early sexual activity exposes youths to immorality, diseases and unwanted pregnancies.”
He urged teenagers to embrace abstinence, adding, “Keeping one’s virginity until marriage increases personal value and promotes faithfulness within marriage.”
Udo also explained how the programme encouraged teens to commit to purity: “This forum creates an enabling environment whereby the teens affirm their commitment by stamping their palms on the programme banner and declaring, ‘I stand for chastity.’”
Victor Alukoju, addressing youths at the same event, emphasised moral responsibility, saying, “God is not sexually immoral, so if you must celebrate Valentine’s Day, celebrate God, not sin.”
He added, “Sexual purity protects your heart, strengthens your relationship with God, and inspires others to follow God’s design with integrity and faithfulness.”
In Abuja, Jerry Eze reminded Christians to prioritise holiness, saying, “Sex has never been a proof of love.”
He further urged, “…urge Christians to shun immoral acts and celebrate Valentine’s Day in a holy manner.”
On Valentine’s Day itself, Dr Daniel Olukoya advised youths on life choices, saying, “Your life is too valuable to gamble with.”
“Your destiny is too important to waste on temporary excitement.”
He stressed the importance of discipline, adding, “When you invest your time in God, you gain wisdom.”
” When you invest your time in growth, you gain capacity.”
“When you invest your time in discipline, you gain results.”
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), through Dr. Temitope Ilori, issued a Valentine’s advisory on February 13th, urging safe practices.
She said, “As we mark Valentine’s Day, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) calls on everyone to celebrate love responsibly by taking deliberate steps to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”
She added, “Protecting your health and that of your partner remains one of the greatest expressions of love.”
She further warned, “…advised Nigerians to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly… warned against having multiple sexual partners and engaging in transactional sex.”
Clerics and community leaders said the appeals were necessary because Valentine’s Day celebrations can sometimes influence teenagers to engage in risky sexual behaviour.
They stressed that personal discipline, abstinence, and respect for moral values would protect youths from unwanted consequences and preserve dignity.