Lagos state government unveils online pre-marital counselling programme for religious leaders

By Anuoluwa Amao

The Lagos State Government has introduced an online Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Course for pastors, imams and faith-based marriage counsellors to better equip them with the skills needed to guide couples toward healthier, violence-free marriages.

The initiative was announced on Wednesday by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which said the programme forms part of the state’s broader strategy to prevent domestic violence by strengthening family foundations before marriage.

According to the agency, marriage preparation for many couples in Lagos often takes place within churches and mosques, making faith leaders some of the most influential sources of guidance for intending couples.

“Recognising this influence, the programme has been designed to provide counsellors with structured knowledge that combines faith-based perspectives with modern relationship education,” the agency said. “This will help couples build strong partnerships grounded in communication, respect and accountability.”

The DSVA said the course is delivered through a flexible digital platform featuring self-paced modules, case studies and assessments, enabling counsellors to apply practical knowledge to real-life counselling situations.

Participants who complete the programme will receive certification aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling across the state.

The curriculum also introduces counsellors to key concepts in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, including how to identify early warning signs of abusive relationships and provide responsible guidance to couples.

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Representatives from both government and faith institutions attended the launch event, including the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.

The DSVA noted that the initiative complements the recently launched Relationship Health Clinic, another programme by the agency that provides professional psychological support for individuals and couples using the evidence-based RELATE Protocol. The diagnostic framework evaluates key relationship dynamics and helps guide early interventions.

Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the programme focuses on preventing domestic violence before it begins.

“Domestic violence does not begin in the courtroom. In many cases, it begins long before marriage,” she said. “By strengthening the quality of pre-marital counselling within our faith institutions, we are helping couples build marriages founded on respect, safety and shared responsibility.”

She also stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling domestic violence.

“Preventing domestic violence requires collective responsibility. By partnering with faith institutions, we are strengthening marriages at their foundation and building communities where homes remain safe and supportive for everyone,” she added.