News

5 Countries Where Valentine’s Day Is Not Celebrated [See list]

Published

7 months ago

February 11, 2025

February is synonymous with love and Valentine’s Day.

While many embrace the romantic gestures and gift-giving associated with February 14th, a handful of countries actively discourage or even ban the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

These prohibitions often stem from religious or cultural beliefs that view the holiday as either inappropriate.

Here’s a look at some of the countries that don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, and the reasoning behind their stance:

1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country located in Southwest Asia that occupies the majority of the Arabian Peninsula. Valentine’s Day is in violation of Saudi Arabia’s ideology where public expressions of affection are forbidden.

There are numerous foreign Christian workers in Saudi Arabia. Although foreigners are welcome to enter and work in this prosperous economy, they are not allowed to practice their religion here. As a result, on February 14th, all Valentine’s Day-related activity, such as the sale of red roses or teddy bears, was outlawed.

2. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is well-known for its long history and diversified culture, with Islam being the predominant religion. For many years, the government tolerated Valentine’s Day celebrations until 2012, when the Ministry of Education’s Department of Enlightenment and the Promotion of Values issued an internal regulation prohibiting such celebrations.

Instead of Valentine’s Day, people in Uzbekistan commemorate the birthday of their country’s hero, Babur, the Mughal Emperor. Valentine’s Day is not banned, although it is greatly discouraged in favor of honoring Babur.

3. Indonesia
In truth, no legislation in Indonesia officially prohibits the day’s commemoration. However, in other sections of the country, such as Surabaya and Makassar, where people hold more extremist Muslim views, intimidation techniques or small-scale prohibitions are used, and Bando Aceh has an entire ban.

In recent years, there have been various protests stating that Valentine’s Day promotes casual premarital sex and alcohol usage, both of which are absolutely prohibited by Islamic law. Despite this, young people in Jakarta continue to openly and enthusiastically celebrate the day.

4. Iran
Iran is an Islamic nation run by religious leaders. The government has banned the production of all Valentine’s Day gifts and goods. The marketing of this romantic love event is also prohibited because it is viewed as a spread of Western culture.

A proposal has been made to replace Valentine’s Day with Mehregan, an ancient Iranian celebration that predates Islam. This event honors Yazata Mehr, who is responsible for friendship, love, and affection.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan, home to the world’s second-largest Muslim population, has conflicting sentiments about Valentine’s Day. As the popularity of Valentine’s Day among the younger generation grows, multiple riots have broken out in this country to condemn the celebration.

A private citizen petitioned the High Court of Islamabad to get the day banned. Finally, on February 7th, 2018, the Islamabad High Court prohibited Valentine’s Day celebrations and media coverage, citing a Western cultural import that opposed Islamic teachings. Not everyone in Pakistan supports this choice, particularly university students and flower vendors who performed well on Valentine’s Day.

(VANGUARD)

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

8 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

8 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

8 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.