Fides Media Living the Faith
By Jude Atupulazi
Anambra State is to host the first Large Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Since 2019, with Uli set to be the venue of the three-day global event after a three-year pandemic pause. It is one of the largest convention organizations in the world and the theme of the convention is, “Exercise Patience!”.
Prior to 2019, summers in Uli, Anambra State were marked by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions at the Uli Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Anambra State. But in 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition in Uli when the Witnesses cancelled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programmes as virtual events in more than 500 languages.
Since September 8, 2023, the Witnesses have been bringing that tradition back to Uli, Anambra State.
‘As much as we loved the convenience and quality of our virtual conventions, nothing can replace being together in a large group setting,’ said Obinna Igwe, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
‘While our online conventions reached millions around the world and kept our communities safe, we long to get back to our joyful fellowship at these large gatherings,’ he added, noting that some 6,000 conventions would be held worldwide as part of the 2023 theme of “Exercise Patience!”
Fides gathered that in Nigeria alone, more than 320 conventions will be held in 39 host cities. From last Friday to Sunday, six convention sessions were expected to explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through scriptural examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session, with a pre-recorded drama being featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.