Taiye Aluko, driven by a passion to address the rising tide of marital breakdowns, founded Raregems Coaching and Counselling in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2017. Initially stemming from her volunteer counselling work within her church community, Aluko recognized a critical gap in pre-marital preparation and ongoing marital support. She observed that many couples invested significantly in the spectacle of their wedding ceremonies but lacked the foundational knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of marriage itself. This realization fueled her desire to establish a professional, structured counselling practice that extended beyond the confines of the church, offering a framework rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and practical coaching techniques.
Raregems’ evolution has been marked by a strategic expansion of its services. Beginning with one-on-one counselling sessions, the firm has embraced digital platforms to broaden its reach and impact. Structured online courses like “Pathway to Forever,” coupled with practical workbooks designed for couples, provide accessible and comprehensive resources. Aluko’s YouTube channel, “Transformation Timeout with Taiye,” further extends the firm’s influence beyond Nigeria’s borders, offering valuable insights and guidance to a wider audience. Complementing her private practice, Aluko continues to contribute her expertise through volunteer counselling at the Federal Marriage Registry in Ikoyi, Lagos, where she and her team offer free pre-marital guidance to couples embarking on their marital journey.
The core of Raregems’ philosophy centers on proactive preparation and intentional growth within marriage. Aluko emphasizes that the long-term costs of neglecting these crucial aspects far outweigh the investment required to build a strong foundation. The devastating consequences of marital breakdown, both emotionally and socially, underscore the importance of equipping couples with the tools and knowledge to navigate challenges and cultivate a thriving relationship. Raregems’ approach combines counselling, coaching, and mentoring, leveraging Aluko’s extensive experience – both her 25 years of marriage and her professional training as an Emotional Intelligence Certified Professional. This holistic approach addresses the multifaceted nature of marital dynamics, empowering couples with the skills and emotional intelligence to navigate their relationship effectively.
Targeting mid-level executives, young professionals, and young married couples, Raregems focuses on individuals committed to personal growth and marital success. This demographic, often characterized by demanding careers and evolving societal pressures, benefits significantly from the structured guidance and support offered by the firm. Raregems empowers these individuals to prioritize their relationships and cultivate the skills necessary to build lasting, fulfilling marriages. The firm’s growing recognition within national media, including features in prominent publications like The Guardian and Women of Rubies, as well as appearances on television networks like Arise TV and Plus TV, highlights its increasing influence in the field of marriage counselling. Further accolades, including awards from Aluko’s church community, the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, underscore the impact of her work.
Raregems’ future trajectory is marked by ambitious expansion plans. In the short term, the focus remains on broadening the reach of existing online courses and digital platforms, maximizing accessibility to a wider audience. However, the long-term vision centers on the establishment of the Raregems Marriage Academy. This ambitious project aims to formalize the firm’s work by creating a centralized hub for marriage education and coaching. The academy envisions training and certifying counsellors across Africa and beyond, equipping them to replicate Raregems’ impactful approach within their respective communities. This strategic initiative is poised to position Raregems as a continental leader in marriage counselling, reshaping the landscape of marriage preparation and ongoing marital growth across Africa.
Ultimately, Raregems’ mission transcends simply resolving marital conflicts; it focuses on empowering couples to proactively build thriving, joyful, and enduring marriages. Aluko’s vision is to shift the paradigm from reactive problem-solving to proactive relationship building, fostering a culture of intentionality and preparedness within marriage. Through the Raregems Marriage Academy, she aspires to multiply the impact of her work, equipping a new generation of counsellors to guide couples towards fulfilling and lasting marital relationships. This vision encapsulates the core belief that successful marriages are not accidental but rather the result of conscious effort, ongoing learning, and a commitment to growth, both individually and as a couple.
