FG Denies Approving Competition On Same Sex Marriage

The federal government has denied approving a letter circulating on social media that claims it has sanctioned a National Schools Competition and debate for secondary schools in the country on the topic “Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalised in Nigeria.”

The alleged debate has sparked significant backlash on social media, with a group launching a campaign urging the public to boycott the competition.

Critics of the event have accused it of being a subtle attempt to normalize LGBTQ ideals in Nigeria.

The letter, purportedly sent to commissioners of education across various states, was alleged to have originated from the Federal Ministry of Education.

However, the ministry has categorically denied any involvement in the supposed competition.

In an official response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, refuted the claim.

His letter was addressed to the Commissioner of Education, Science, and Technology of Kogi State, who had reached out to the ministry after reportedly receiving a copy of the controversial letter.

Dr. Sani-Gwarzo made it clear that the ministry had not authorized or endorsed any debate or competition on the topic of same-sex marriage.

He emphasized that the letter in circulation is not from the ministry and should be disregarded.

The letter, which was dated 9th August 2024, read, “It has come to the attention of the Federal Ministry of Education that a letter allegedly from the Federal Ministry Education (FME) has been circulated to state commissioners of education inviting schools to participate in a national schools competition and debate organised by Creative Africa Initiative that proposes the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Nigeria.

“This document is fraudulent and fake, as it didn’t emanate from the FME. It also contradicts both the values upheld by Nigerians and the stance of the Nigerian government and the FME.

“The Nigerian government has consistently maintained a strong stance against the legalisation of same-sex marriage, as evidenced by the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2014. The purported letter is fundamentally at odds with the cultural, religious, and societal values that form the foundation of Nigerian society.”

Sani-Gwarzo said the letter was an attempt to spread misinformation and cause confusion among the public, especially in an era where fake news can easily go viral

“In conclusion, the letter purportedly from the Federal Ministry of Education on the issue of same-sex marriage legalisation in Nigeria is a scam. The FME therefore advises the general public to discountenance the letter and its planned programme. The matter has already been reported to the security agencies to do the needful,” he said.