Marriage is a journey of deep companionship, mutual support, and shared growth, offering a secure, loving space to build a life, face challenges as a team, and create lasting memories. It provides emotional security, fosters personal development, and offers a chance to experience true partnership in raising a family and pursuing shared dreams.
This was one of the focal points at The Marriage School (TMS)’s Singles with Purpose Conference (SWPC) on Saturday. The 2025 edition, which also marked the maiden graduation of the first Singles with Purpose Programme (SWPP) cohort, aimed to equip singles with the skills, values, and mindset required for intentional, faith-driven marriages.
Under the theme “Before the Vows: Equipping Singles for Love, Life and Legacy,” the conference offered workshops, interactive sessions, and talks by experienced couples to help participants prepare not just for a wedding, but for the lifelong vocation of marriage. Organisers stressed that strong marriages are foundational to building stronger societies.
Kelvin Enumah, director of The Marriage School, said the program addresses a gap in Nigeria where many young professionals enter marriage without preparation. “Our research, with 340 respondents, showed that money is not the top concern for most people entering marriage. Physical attraction ranks ninth. What matters most are clarity, purpose, and shared values,” Enumah said.
He added that the program also encourages participants to discover whether marriage is the right path for them.
The 10-month SWPP program combines virtual sessions twice a month with physical meetups, covering mentorship, relationship skills, and community-building. Monica Enumah, co-organizer, emphasised the importance of service and humility.
“Happiness comes from investing in others. When you think of your partner, family, and community, it creates a foundation for a joyful, lasting relationship,” she said.
Ike Nnaedozie, the keynote speaker and entrepreneur, married for 33 years, stressed sacrificial love and preparation. “Marriage is about giving yourself for the other, understanding that life has ups and downs, and building a home that serves society. Too often, people focus on the wedding day rather than the work marriage requires,” he said.
He encouraged young participants to embrace compromise, empathy, and intentional effort.
To guide participants, Nnaedozie outlined four essential principles. First, understand what it means to love. “Love is not merely a feeling but a deliberate decision to will the good of another,” he said.
Second, be intentional. “Don’t rush into marriage,” the keynote speaker added. “Thoughtful dating, courtship, and self-reflection are crucial to discovering true compatibility.”
Third, nurture your spiritual life. “A strong inner foundation equips couples to sustain a healthy and enduring relationship,” he said.
Finally, respect the permanence of the vow. “Marriage is a lifelong commitment, not a temporary experiment, and requires consistent dedication from both partners,” he stated.
Participants shared their experiences of growth through the program. David Okafor, class governor of the inaugural SWPP cohort, described it as transformative.
“I learned about mistakes I was unknowingly making and how to grow into a better partner. The sessions emphasised collaboration, intentionality, and building lasting connections,” he said.
The conference also covered practical issues such as financial unity, communication, courtship, compatibility, and spiritual grounding. Organizers highlighted that successful relationships require ongoing effort, conscious decision-making, and preparation before the vows.
A total of 57 graduates completed the first cohort, leaving the program equipped to pursue intentional and fulfilling marriages.
The Marriage School aims to cultivate homes that are virtuous, loving, and resilient, fostering a generation of families that contribute to society’s stability and well-being.
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