Isese Day: Lagos Gov’t Declares Wednesday As Public Holiday

The Lagos State Government has notified the General public that the 2025 Isese Day celebration will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the State.

Consequently, the State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a public holiday for all public servants in the state in commemoration of this year’s Isese Day celebration.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the State’s Head of Service, Bode Agoro, with reference number CIR/HOS/’25/Vol.I/064, and addressed to top government officials including the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, Commissioners, Chairmen of Local Governments, Local Council Development Areas, Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of State agencies, among others.

According to the circular, the declaration was part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s reaffirmed commitment to promoting indigenous culture, tradition, and heritage while strengthening support for traditional institutions across the state.

“In reaffirming the commitment of the State Government towards promoting our indigenous culture, tradition and preserving our heritage, while providing necessary support for traditional Institutions in the State, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, 20th August, 2025 as Work-Free Day for Lagos State Public Servants in commemoration of the Day,” the circular read.

The statement further emphasised that normal work activities would resume on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 8:00am, urging all Accounting Officers to ensure wide circulation of the information across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

LEADERSHIP reports that Isese Day, celebrated annually by adherents of traditional religion, is observed to honour and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people. Lagos State has, in recent years, institutionalised the day to recognise the contributions of traditional beliefs to its social and cultural landscape.