LAGOS LAUNCHES ONLINE PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING COURSE FOR PASTORS, IMAMS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Government has launched a Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Online Course for pastors, imams and faith-based marriage counsellors to equip them with practical tools to guide couples toward healthier and violence-free marriages.
The initiative was announced on Wednesday by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which described the programme as part of the state’s strategy to prevent domestic violence by strengthening family foundations before marriage.
According to the agency, marriage preparation in many communities across Lagos State often takes place within churches and mosques, making faith leaders key 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, helping couples build strong partnerships rooted in communication, respect and accountability,” the agency said.
DSVA explained that the course will be delivered through a flexible digital platform, allowing participants to complete self-paced modules, case studies and assessments.
“Delivered through a flexible digital platform, the course enables counsellors to apply practical knowledge to real-life counselling scenarios,” the agency stated.
Participants who successfully complete the training will receive certification aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling across the state.
The curriculum will also introduce counsellors to key concepts in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, including how to recognise early warning signs of abusive relationships and provide responsible guidance to couples.
The launch event was attended by representatives of several faith and government institutions, including the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.
The agency noted that the programme complements its recently introduced Relationship Health Clinic, which offers professional psychological support for individuals and couples using the RELATE Protocol, a diagnostic framework designed to evaluate relationship dynamics and guide early interventions.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of preventive measures in tackling domestic violence.
“Domestic violence does not begin in the courtroom. In many cases, it begins long before marriage. 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 said.
She further stressed the need for collaboration in addressing 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,” Vivour-Adeniyi added.
The Lagos State Government said the initiative reinforces its zero tolerance policy for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence while promoting healthy marriages and stable families across the state.
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