In a bid to promote sexual purity and instill strong moral values among young people, no fewer than 1,500 youths, including teenagers, took to the streets of Lagos for a five-kilometer awareness walk. The event, themed “A New Identity for Feb. 14: From Lovers’ Day to Chastity Day,” aimed to redefine the essence of Valentine’s Day by discouraging immoral behavior.
The awareness campaign, now in its 13th edition, was organized by the Centre for Defence of Morality (CDI) and held at the NAN’s International Media Centre, Lagos. Activities included a symbolic commitment to chastity, recitation of a moral code, group discussions, and panel sessions on ethical living.
Dr. Nkem Chima, the event’s convener, emphasized the need to uphold African moral values, criticizing what he termed Western cultural imperialism. He argued that abstinence, rather than the promotion of contraceptives, offers a holistic solution to preserving morality among African youths.
“The West cannot dictate our values. Promoting condom use is against our cultural ethics. African societies have a communal responsibility to guide and protect young girls, ensuring they remain morally upright,” Chima stated.
Social worker Ms. Uche Agbai led a session outlining ways teenagers can resist peer pressure and avoid deviant behaviors, including incest, homosexuality, pornography, rape, drug abuse, and group sex. She encouraged the youths to take the A-B-C approach to morality—Abstinence, Boundaries, and Commitment—to sustain their values.
One of the participants, 14-year-old Delight Emenike from Eric Moore Secondary School, described the symbolic vow-making session as deeply moving. “With the lessons learned today, I am committed to maintaining my chastity until marriage,” she affirmed.
Organizers hope the campaign will encourage young people to embrace chastity and reject negative influences, transforming Valentine’s Day into a celebration of purity and self-respect.
