Lagos begins first online pre-marital course for pastors, imams, counsellors

The Lagos State Government has initiated an Online Course for Religious Pre-Marital Counselling aimed at pastors, imams, and faith-based marriage counsellors, providing them with essential tools to assist couples in fostering healthier, violence-free marriages.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency revealed this initiative in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting it as part of the state's dedication to preventing domestic violence by reinforcing family foundations prior to the commencement of marriages.

In numerous communities throughout Lagos, marriage preparation frequently occurs within churches and mosques, positioning faith leaders as vital sources of guidance for prospective couples.

"Acknowledging this influence, the program has been crafted to equip counsellors with organized knowledge that merges faith-based viewpoints with contemporary relationship education, aiding couples in establishing robust partnerships grounded in communication, respect, and accountability," the agency stated.

The course, as noted by the DSVA, is offered through a versatile digital platform that includes self-paced modules, case studies, and assessments.

"Provided via a flexible digital platform, the course allows counsellors to implement practical knowledge in real-world counselling situations," the statement indicated.

Participants who successfully complete the training will earn certification, which aims to "enhance professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling throughout the state," the DSVA remarked.

The curriculum also familiarizes counsellors with essential concepts in the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including "how to identify early warning signs of abusive relationships and offer responsible guidance to couples."

The launch event included representation from faith and government stakeholders, such as "The Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs," as stated by the agency.

DSVA stated that the initiative complements the recently launched Relationship Health Clinic, which is yet another innovative program by the Agency that offers professional psychological support for individuals and couples utilizing the evidence-based RELATE Protocol. This diagnostic framework assesses essential relationship dynamics and assists in guiding early interventions.

The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, underscored the preventive emphasis of the program.

"Domestic violence does not commence in the courtroom. In numerous instances, it starts long before marriage. By enhancing the quality of pre-marital counseling within our faith institutions, we are aiding couples in establishing marriages based on respect, safety, and shared responsibility," she remarked.

She further stressed the significance of collaboration in addressing domestic violence: "Preventing domestic violence necessitates collective accountability.

"By collaborating with faith institutions, we are fortifying marriages at their core and fostering communities where homes remain safe and supportive for all."

Through these initiatives, the Lagos State Government indicated that it is reinforcing its "Zero Tolerance policy for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, while advocating for healthy marriages and stable families" throughout the state.