The Obio/Akpor Local Government Council has organised a one-day sensitization, enlightenment and training programme for churches within the Local Government Area, with a major focus on statutory marriage, legal requirements and the responsibilities of religious bodies in conducting marriages.
The programme, which brought together church leaders, clergy and representatives of religious organisations across Obio/Akpor, was designed to deepen understanding of the statutory requirements guiding marriage ceremonies and strengthen collaboration between the Local Government Council and religious institutions.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, said the training was important because religious leaders needed to fully understand the legal implications of statutory marriages and the rights of couples.
Dr. Worlu explained that the programme was aimed at ensuring that churches and clergy were properly informed about the jurisdiction within which statutory marriages could legally be conducted, as well as the consequences of conducting marriages in unlicensed premises or outside the appropriate marriage jurisdiction.
According to him, “It is very important that we understand the reason why we are here. It has to do with statutory marriage. It is very important that we understand our rights and the legal implications of marriage.”
The Chairman stressed that marriages must be conducted in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and within the appropriate jurisdiction where the couples reside, noting that ignorance of the law could expose couples and religious institutions to unnecessary legal complications.
He described the gathering as an opportunity to renew the partnership between the Local Government Council and religious bodies in Obio/Akpor.
Dr. Gift Worlu further noted that government and the church have historically shared a close relationship, pointing out that the roots of governance and community development have always been connected to religious and traditional institutions.
The Council Chairman added that one of the cardinal reasons for the gathering was to provide an avenue for participants to acquire more knowledge and understand their rights and responsibilities.
The Marriage Registrar in Obio/Akpor, Mrs. Chiorlu, in her remarks, provided participants with further explanations on the statutory marriage process and the role of churches and ministers in ensuring that marriages are properly documented and legally recognised.
Mrs. Chiorlu urged church leaders to ensure that couples seeking statutory marriage are properly guided through the necessary procedures and documentation.
She also encouraged religious institutions to liaise with the appropriate marriage authorities whenever they are uncertain about the legal requirements, stressing that proper documentation protects the rights and interests of both spouses.
The Marriage Registrar described the sensitisation as an important platform for bridging the information gap between churches, intending couples and the Local Government marriage registry.
The Secretary of the Council, Barr. Kelvin Akani , also addressed the gathering, providing further insight into the legal implications and necessity of statutory marriage procedures.
Barr. Akani explained that compliance with the law was essential because marriage carries significant legal consequences, particularly with respect to the rights and obligations of the parties involved.
He urged church leaders to avoid practices that could create uncertainty about the legal status of marriages conducted under their supervision.
The Council Secretary stressed the need for continuous engagement between the Local Government, marriage registry and religious institutions, describing such collaboration as essential to ensuring that clergy members are adequately informed about prevailing requirements.
A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of an Award of Excellence by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Obio/Akpor Chapter, in recognition of the Council Chairman, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, for his commitment to engagement and partnership with the Christian community and his numerous development strides.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
