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

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.
READ ALSO:7 Valentine’s Day Gifts Nigerian Women Can Give Their Man Under N10,0000
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.
READ ALSO: Varsity Lecturer, Student Set Wedding Date After Viral Valentine’s Day Proposal
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.
READ ALSO: Philippine Mayor Gives Singles Extra Pay On Valentine’s Day
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
Bauchi Govt Sanctions 4 Senior Officers For Gross Misconduct

The Bauchi state Civil Service Commission (CSC) has sanctioned four senior officers for gross misconduct in the discharge of their service.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Friday by Mr Saleh Umar, the Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi state Civil Service Commission.
According to him, the decision, which was made during the Commission’s plenary session, was in its continued effort to sanitise the State’s Civil Service.
He listed the names of the officers that were sanctioned to include; Garba Hussaini, a Director, Education and former Provost, Haruna Umar, a Deputy Director, Administration and Human Resources.
READ ALSO:Bauchi Board Laments Low Teacher Turnouts In Training Exercise
Others included; Umar Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer (Account)- Bursar and Mohammed Usman, Chief Clerical Officer – Cashier, all attached to Bill and Melinda Gate College of Health Sciences Technology in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.
Umar explained that the interdicted officers have been placed on 50 per cent of their salaries with effect from 28th October, 2025 until the end of the full investigation.
“The Commission’s decision was taken to allow further investigation into the allegations laid against the officers.
“The Officers were found guilty of misconduct that contradict Bauchi State Public Service Regulations – 0327 (x) and (xxii) and interdicted under rules 0329 (i), (ii) and (iii) to further distance them from their duty posts for seamless and smooth investigation.
READ ALSO:Bauchi Begins Production Of Exercise Books, Chalks For Schools
“In a light-hearted part, the Commission has promoted 21 officers to their next grades of Deputy Chief Librarian, Assistant Chief Librarians and Principal Librarians to grade levels 15, 14, 13, 12 and 10 respectively.
“Others were Assistant Chief Executive Officer and Chief Confidential Secretary on grade levels 13 and 14,” said Umar.
The Public Relations Officer added that Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, the Chairman of the Commission, reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to the rules of law under his watch.
He noted that while promising to continue to uphold integrity, transparency and fairness in the commission, the Chairman also expressed dismay over the nonchalant attitude of some Civil Servants not knowing the disciplinary procedures in civil service and its consequences.
“Chairman also called on all workers to be conversant with the do and don’t in carrying out their assignments to avoid unnecessary offense,” he said.
News
Don’t Take Law Into Your Hands – NYSC Warns Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned all corps members serving their fatherland not to take laws into their own hands during and after their service year.
Mr Umoren Kufre, the Bauchi state Coordinator of NYSC gave the warning during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ stream 1 corps members at the state’s NYSC permanent orientation camp, Wailo in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
“I urge you to obey all the rules and regulations governing the NYSC. In case you notice any irregularity, do not take the laws into your hands.
READ ALSO:NYSC Deploys 1,900 Corps Members To Bauchi State
“Always ensure that you follow the proper channel of communication to express your grievances.
“Let me assure you again that management will ensure that the basic amenities you need in the camp are provided for you. Your safety and comfort remains our utmost priority,” he said.
Kofre, who explained that a total of 2,050 corps members were posted to the state for the one year compulsory service, said there has not been any serious problem since the commencement of the course and the prospective corps members were participating actively in all camp activities.
He appreciated Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state for his continuous support to the scheme in the state as well as the complete renovation of Corps Members hostels and the construction of a brand new Multipurpose Hall in the camp.
READ ALSO: PDP NWC Suspends Legal Adviser, Anyanwu, Others Amid Convention Crisis
The NYSC boss, however, called on the governor to help them rebuild the part of the camp perimeter fence that collapsed about a year ago.
Declaring the orientation camp exercises open, Gov. Bala Mohammed urged the corp members to take the lead and advocate for national development and transformation.
Represented by Mr Mohammed Umar, the State’s Head of Service, Mohammed called on them to take the noble call with utmost seriousness and commit themselves to achieving the scheme’s objectives of national unity and development.
While administering the oath of allegiance, Justice Rabi Umar, the Chief Judge of the state who was represented by Abdullahi Yau, Deputy Registrar, High Court of Justice, charged the corps members to maintain law and order towards the peaceful orientation exercises
News
17 Nigerian States Implementing CPS As PenCom Assets Rise To Over N26trn

The National Pension Commission hassaid only 17 Nigerian states are currently implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme as its assets rose to over N26 trillion in September 2025.
Ms Omolola Oloworaran disclosed this during an event in Benin, Edo State.
Oloworaran, who was represented by the Commission’s Inspectorate Commissioner, Chief Samuel Chigozie Uwandu, stressed that CPS plays a vital role in national economic development.
READ ALSO:Christian Genocide: Back Nigeria CPC Redesignation With Action, Nigerian Bishop Begs Trump
According to her, CPS has evolved beyond a retirement policy and has become a symbol of a national shift towards financial discipline and long-term planning.
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Oloworaran noted that the scheme illustrates “a decisive break from past dependencies on state-provided old-age financial security to a new culture of retirement savings and forward planning.
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“A contract between the worker and the employer, with the assurance that a lifetime of labour would be rewarded with financial security in old age.”
“Seventeen states out of the 36 states in the country are currently implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme. Twelve states have not started at all, while seven states are at various stages of establishing their pension bureaux.”
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