Lagos launches online premarital course for pastors, imams, marriage counselors

The Lagos State Government has introduced an online pre-marital religious counseling course for faith-based pastors, imams and marriage counselors to help them guide couples towards healthier, violence-free marriages.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said the initiative is part of the state strategy to prevent domestic violence by strengthening family foundations before marriages begin.

The agency noted that in many communities in Lagos, marriage preparation often takes place in churches and mosques, making religious leaders important sources of guidance for intending couples.

According to DSVA, the program combines faith-based perspectives with modern relationship education, equipping counselors with practical tools to help couples build partnerships based on communication, respect and responsibility.

The course will be delivered through a flexible digital platform with self-paced modules, case studies and assessments designed to help consultants apply practical knowledge to real-life consultancy situations.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certification aimed at improving professionalism and accountability in faith-based counseling across the state.

The curriculum also introduces key concepts related to the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, including how to identify early warning signs of abusive relationships and offer responsible guidance to couples.

Faith and government stakeholders present at the launch included representatives of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society and the Lagos State Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The initiative also complements the agency’s Relationship Health Clinic, which provides psychological support to individuals and couples using the evidence-based RELATE protocol to assess relationship dynamics and support early interventions.

DSVA executive secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the program focuses on prevention by improving the quality of premarital counseling within religious institutions.

She emphasized that addressing domestic violence requires collaboration with communities and religious institutions to help couples build marriages rooted in respect, safety and shared responsibility.

The state government said the initiative reinforces its zero tolerance policy against sexual and gender-based violence, while promoting stable families and healthy relationships across Lagos.

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