‘relationships are commercialised’ — Nigerians react to Okonkwo’s N700,000 matchmaking fee

Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, founder of David’s Christian Centre and a relationship coach, has triggered a heated online debate following the launch of his Christian matchmaking platform, “Mentor To Marry.”

The platform is designed to help Christian singles who want intentional, marriage-focused relationships through mentorship, assessments and guided matchmaking.

However, the annual membership fees, which range from N70,000 to N700,000, have drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.

Several users questioned whether the cost could prevent some singles from accessing a platform intended to help them find marriage partners.

Reacting on X, @gatsegwasiPhD questioned the pricing, arguing that it appeared inconsistent with concerns about the commercialisation of relationships.

“Don’t you see how you are contradicting yourself? You say relationships are commercialised and men who don’t have money should still pay M700,000 to meet ‘godly’ women? So tell me, who has such an amount if not rich men?”

Another X user, @DaraMoren1, also criticised the pricing structure.

“Relationships have been so commercialised nowadays, yet you went ahead to commercialise it. Mentor To Marry price list has Reg, Premium & VIP.”

Similarly, @ndilichi1261151 questioned the value of the highest membership package.

“Do you know what that N700K will do for me in the Gen Z dating scene rather than put it in your link?”

The criticism also spread to Facebook, where some users raised concerns about the platform’s commercial approach.

King Phill wrote: “If relationships have become increasingly commercialised, then why is he also commercialising it?”

Another Facebook user, Comfort Bassey Bee, said: “Spoke about how relationships have become increasingly commercialised.’ Is that why you’re also commercialising the situation? It is well.”

Despite the criticism, some Nigerians defended Okonkwo’s initiative.

Supporters argued that professional matchmaking and relationship counselling services already exist and that people should decide whether the services are worth the cost.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Neo also defended the pastor, saying: “The man did nothing wrong. Since Nigerian men and women cannot choose right to save their own lives, maybe paying for counselling will unlock common sense.”

Other supporters pointed out that the platform offers more than simply connecting potential partners. They noted that participants undergo mentorship and assessment before the matchmaking process.

The debate has continued across social media, with Nigerians divided over whether the platform provides a valuable service or places an unnecessary financial barrier on people seeking marriage.