THE Manager of New Afrika Shrine, Mr Sunday Essien, on Wednesday said that there would be performances by up-and-coming artists to mark St. Valentine’s Day.

Essien told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the shrine would wear a new facelift as the operators would beautify the environment.

“Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate and show love to people; so we are going to have around some up-and-coming artists who will thrill the people.

“We will also have about three DJs who will entertain the people with love songs to celebrate the mood of love that day.

“The shrine will be the perfect place for people,   especially, couples to come around and spend their time because the shrine is going to provide them fun,” he said.

He said that the day would be special as the shrine would also serve special dishes to its visitors and guests in the spirit of the season.

“We will provide special menu for our numerous people that will throng the shrine as well as spice up the day with different varieties,’’ he said.

Similarly, some religious leaders had appealed to the public to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with programmes that would uplift their souls and take care of the needy.

The senior pastor of Revival Church Ministries, Mr Joseph Atubu, advised Nigerians to desist from every form of immoral affairs while celebrating the day.

“The day should be used in helping the less privileged and the poor.’’

He said that by doing that, they would be inviting more blessings to themselves.

“The day is for sharing and giving so that should be extended to other people and not just the loved ones.

“People should also not use that day to commit sin by fornicating so they should be able to draw a line when it comes to committing sin,” he said.

Another clergyman, Mr Praise Osho, said that people had a wrong understanding of the value of the day.

“It’s a day for giving and sharing love to people, but unfortunately, people have forgotten about that and used the day for other evil things.

“We should not lose focus of the day. We can achieve the purpose it is meant to serve by being conversant with its ethics,” he said.

Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is usually celebrated yearly on Feb. 14. It began as a liturgical celebration of one of the early Christian saints named Valentinus.

During this celebration of love and affection, couples and lovers are expected to observe it by sending greeting cards and gifts to one another as well as attend church services. (NAN)

– Feb. 13, 2019 @ 15:57 GMT |