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, violence-free marriages.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency announced the initiative in a statement on Wednesday, describing it as part of the state’s commitment to preventing domestic violence by strengthening family foundations before marriages begin.

Marriage preparation in many communities across Lagos 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.

The course, DSVA added, is delivered through a flexible digital platform featuring 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 statement said.

Participants who complete the training will receive certification, aimed at “strengthening professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling across the state,” DSVA noted.

The curriculum also introduces 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 featured representation from faith and government stakeholders, including “The Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs,” the agency stated.

DSVA said the initiative complements the recently introduced Relationship Health Clinic, “another innovative initiative by the Agency that provides professional psychological support for individuals and couples using the evidence-based RELATE Protocol. This diagnostic framework evaluates key relationship dynamics and helps guide early interventions.”

The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, highlighted the preventive focus of the programme.

“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 emphasised the importance of partnership 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.”

Through these initiatives, the Lagos State Government said it is reinforcing its “Zero Tolerance policy for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, while promoting healthy marriages and stable families” across the state. (PUNCH)

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