Daluwon Ogun, Badagry & Lekki Lagos - August 11,18 & October 6, 2023 to Host the First Large Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 2019.
After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organisations in the world has once again chosen Daluwon in Ogun State, Badagry and Lekki, in Lagos State to host its global three-day event, the 2023 “Exercise Patience!” Convention.
Prior to 2020, Ogun and Lagos States were impacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions at their Daluwon, Badagry and Lekki Assembly Halls. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition at these locations when the Witnesses cancelled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programs as virtual events in more than 1,000 languages. But beginning August 11, the Witnesses will bring that tradition back to Daluwon, then to Badagry beginning August 18 and Lekki October 6, 2023.
“The truth is: the virtual conventions did well; but nothing is as good as interacting with persons you love, smiling because you heard a very interesting talk, and looking at somebody at the other side also smiling at you. We have missed it for this long, and we are all looking forward to it” said Olusegun Eroyemi, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“Our online conventions were particularly successful for one thing reaching millions, especially those who are unable to move maybe because of age or poor health or other limitations. But with the in-persons gatherings, it’s more localised with brothers from the locality handling the talks but it will still be hybrid in the sense that there will still be programs to be viewed online.”
Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience!” Convention series. In Nigeria alone, more than 320 conventions will be held in 39 host cities.
From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptural examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session and a pre-recorded drama will be featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.
“More than ever before, the quality of patience is desirable at this time. The biting economic stress, health challenges and interpersonal disconnect even among friends and family even communities exacts pressure on our patience” says Jahswill Stephen.
The three days of this convention, it is hoped, will make tremendous difference in the life of the convention delegates and their families.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centres, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, August 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events in Nigeria since the lifting of the pandemic restrictions.
The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org website and navigate to the “About Us” tab.
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