Pre-Marital Background Check Relevant To Sustain Tenets of Marriage Institution

Mary Nnah

The essential role of pre-marital background checks cannot be underestimated due to their potency in eradicating marital problems. This was the view of speakers at a webinar to commemorate the 18th Anniversary of Background Check International, (BCI) Nigeria’s foremost background check company.

The panelists at the event which focused on the role of background checks in premarital relationships were: Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, Managing Director EDFINMFB Ltd, Barrister Peniela Akinyujoye, Lawyer and Public Analyst and Chief Adewale Ajayi, A Chartered Arbitrator and Legal Practitioner.

The Chairman of Background Check International, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi said the webinar is the company’s worthy contribution to educate people and provide an eye-opening platform on lifelong issues and commitment. He enjoined young couples to be aware of the significant differences between marriages and weddings.

Adewale Adeniji, a lawyer and Chartered Arbitrator stated that navigating marriage successfully depends on a solid foundation. He stated that most issues can be curbed through background checks. He asserted that couples should be prepared adequately to face the challenges of marriage. The use of pre-marital background checks should be used responsibly to verify issues before venturing into marriage.

Mrs. Bunmi Lawson urged couples to accept the outcome of pre-marital background checks. She highlighted that individual cultures, preferences and beliefs affect the success of marriages. Background check addresses a history of domestic abuse/violence, criminal background and drug-related offences.

In his view, Mr. Peniela Akintujoye advised young couples to face the issues of a pre-marital background check. He urged young couples to do something concrete about pre-marital checks to avoid depression in marriage. According to him “Emotions becloud the sense of reasoning of young people and as a result, unable to see red flags ahead.

Mr. Kola Olugbodi, the Managing Director of Background Check International (BCI) stated that background check is an investment in the future of potential couples. The issue of spouses with a fraudulent and criminal background is on the rise and pre-marital background check is a potent tool to identify such. Background check according to him provides information on character check, reputation check, credit report, and others. Olugbodi advised young people to ensure they conduct a thorough investigation and due diligence to overcome the odds. According to him, “Background check can provide almost 80% but the real work is with the parties involved in marriage”. Though he asserted that background check is not a divine seal that marriage would work but it helps to raise red flags in marriage though some other issues may be hidden.

Olugbodi urged parents to discharge their roles and responsibilities to curtail some of the disheartening occurrences in the marriage of young people.