Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo
Susan Abayomi
Popular Nigerian pastor and relationship counsellor, Kingsley Okonkwo, has come under public scrutiny following the launch of a faith-based matchmaking platform with an annual membership fee of up to N700,000.
Okonkwo, who leads David’s Christian Centre, introduced the initiative, known as Mentor To Marry, as a platform designed to connect serious and well-mentored Christian singles seeking meaningful relationships.
The platform has three membership categories: Regular, which costs N70,000 annually; Premium, priced at N350,000; and VIP, which attracts an annual fee of N700,000.
The pricing structure has generated debate on social media, with critics questioning the cost of joining a faith-based matchmaking service, particularly amid current economic challenges.
However, supporters of the initiative have defended the fees, pointing to the platform’s mentoring and assessment process. According to reports, prospective members are required to undergo an eight-week mentoring and assessment programme before matchmaking begins.
Explaining the rationale behind the platform, Okonkwo highlighted what he described as changing dynamics in modern dating and the financial pressures sometimes associated with relationships.
He also said the initiative was created to connect “serious, godly and well-mentored singles” from different parts of the world.
The cleric has previously attracted significant attention on social media over his views on relationships, gender roles, dating and marriage. Despite the controversies, he remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Christian and relationship-counselling space.
The launch of Mentor To Marry has therefore renewed discussions about the role of paid matchmaking services in helping people find relationships, as well as the affordability of such services for Nigerians.
