Pastor’s Matchmaking Scheme Faces Scrutiny Over ₦700,000 Membership Fee
Pastor and relationship counsellor Kingsley Okonkwo has come under public scrutiny following the launch of Mentor To Marry, a faith-based matchmaking platform whose annual membership packages cost as much as ₦700,000.
The initiative, launched by the senior pastor of David’s Christian Centre, is designed to connect single Christians seeking marriage while providing mentoring and assessment before potential matches are made. Its membership structure includes a ₦70,000 Regular plan, a ₦350,000 Premium package and a ₦700,000 VIP option, with participants required to complete an eight-week mentoring programme.
The fees have triggered mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning whether such charges are appropriate for a Christian matchmaking service, while others argue that the programme offers more than conventional dating platforms because of its counselling and preparation component. Okonkwo has maintained that the initiative is intended for serious singles seeking purposeful relationships rather than casual dating.
The controversy adds to the attention surrounding the cleric, who is widely known for his outspoken views on dating, gender roles and marriage. Despite periodic criticism over his comments and activities, Okonkwo has continued to build a public profile around relationship counselling, often drawing from his marriage to Mildred Okonkwo, with whom he has jointly led programmes focused on relationships, marriage and young people.
