The Lagos State Government has launched a Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Online Course for pastors, imams and faith-based marriage counsellors as part of efforts to promote healthier marriages and prevent domestic violence.
The initiative was announced on Wednesday by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, which described the programme as part of the state’s strategy to strengthen family foundations before marriages begin.
According to the agency, marriage preparation in many communities across Lagos often takes place within churches and mosques, making religious 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.
The course will be delivered through a flexible digital platform that features self-paced modules, case studies and assessments designed to help counsellors apply practical knowledge to real-life counselling situations.
Participants who complete the training will receive certification aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling across the state.
The curriculum will also introduce participants to key concepts in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence prevention, including how to identify early warning signs of abusive relationships and offer responsible guidance to couples.
The launch event featured representatives from 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 said the programme complements the recently introduced Relationship Health Clinic, an initiative that provides professional psychological support for individuals and couples using the RELATE Protocol, an evidence-based diagnostic framework that evaluates key relationship dynamics and guides early interventions.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the initiative focuses on prevention rather than reaction.
“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.
Vivour-Adeniyi also emphasised 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,” she added.
The Lagos State Government said the initiative aligns with its zero-tolerance policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence while promoting healthy marriages and stable families across the state.
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