By Ayomide Otitoju
Millions of people around the world are expected to gather this weekend to commemorate what Jehovah’s Witnesses describe as the most significant event in human history—the annual Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death.
In what has become a global tradition, the religious organization has launched a far-reaching campaign inviting individuals of all backgrounds to participate in the observance, also known as the Lord’s Evening Meal or the Last Supper.
Speaking during a recent interview on Success FM, an Ibadan-based radio station, Professor Gill Adekannbi, Regional Spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses, described the campaign as a “worldwide phenomenon.”
“This is an annual event, and throughout the month of April, Jehovah’s Witnesses are engaging in a special invitation campaign to encourage friends, neighbors, and family members to attend two major programs,” he stated.
Highlighting the event’s global scale, Professor Adekannbi noted that over 20 million people attended similar memorials in previous years, underscoring its significance to the faith’s adherents.
The 2025 Memorial is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 12, with local congregations hosting observances in various venues worldwide.
In the lead-up to the event, Jehovah’s Witnesses also delivered a special public talk titled “Can Truth Be Found?” on the weekend of April 5 and 6. The presentation was held in local Kingdom Halls and other venues, attracting audiences in the millions.
“Jesus commanded that his death be remembered,” Professor Adekannbi explained. “The Memorial is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for God’s greatest act of lovesending His only begotten Son to die for humanity. It gives us hope that life’s hardships economic difficulties, violence, and crises will not continue indefinitely.”
He emphasized that the gathering offers a message of hope anchored in the biblical promise of God’s Kingdom, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
When asked whether attendees are expected to make financial contributions, Professor Adekannbi clarified that the event is entirely free of charge.
“There is absolutely no collection taken. No money is required to attend,” he said. “The goal is simply to help people appreciate God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The program will also be available in multiple Nigerian languages to ensure accessibility for all.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold the Memorial annually on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Jewish calendar—the date on which Jesus is believed to have instituted the Last Supper.
The event remains the most widely attended gathering organized by the faith group each year.
