The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has introduced an online Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Course for pastors, imams and faith-based marriage counsellors as part of efforts to strengthen family foundations and prevent domestic violence in the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said the programme—backed by the Lagos State Government—is designed to equip religious leaders with practical tools to guide intending couples toward healthier and violence-free marriages.
According to the DSVA, marriage preparation in many communities across Lagos often takes place within churches and mosques, making faith leaders key sources of guidance for couples planning to wed.
The course will be delivered through a flexible digital platform featuring self-paced modules, case studies and assessments. Participants who complete the training will receive certification aimed at improving professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling.
The curriculum also introduces counsellors to key concepts in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, including how to identify early warning signs of abusive relationships and provide appropriate guidance to couples.
The launch event included representatives from faith and government bodies such as the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.
Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the initiative focuses on prevention, noting that strengthening pre-marital counselling can help couples build marriages rooted in respect, safety and shared responsibility.
She added that the programme complements the agency’s Relationship Health Clinic, which provides psychological support for individuals and couples using the RELATE diagnostic protocol.
