Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state governments have declared Monday, August 21st, work-free for public servants in their states to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration which allows traditional religious worshipers carry out their rites in accordance with their faiths in their respective communities.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who approved the holiday said that the day would allow staff of Lagos State government who are devotees of traditional religion, to observe their festival without any fear.
The approval was contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, sent to the Permanent Secretary of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
In the circular obtained on Saturday, the governor’s decision was made as a measure towards promoting indigenous culture and tradition in Lagos.
Aside from that, Sanwo-Olu approved the date for the traditional worshippers to preserve heritage in the state.
According to the circular with Ref. No: CIR/HOS/23/Vol.1/066, “It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Sunday, 20th August, 2023.
“In restating its commitment to continue to provide necessary support to traditional institutions in the State with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has graciously declared Monday, 21 August, 2023, a Work Free Day for Public Servants in the State. Work will therefore resume on Tuesday, 22 August at 8a.m prompt”.
In Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde also approved August 20 of every year as Isese Day in the state.
To this end, the governor had declared Monday, August 21, 2023 as the maiden public holiday to commemorate the day.
This was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.
According to the circular, the governor urged traditional worshippers in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.
The approval indicates the governor’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all religious practices in the state.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Lekan Adeniran, praised the existing religious harmony among the adherents of all religions in the Gateway State.
Isese Day is set aside by traditional religious worshippers to celebrate Yoruba culture and tradition.
Adediran in the statement explained that the decision to accord Isese Day a special recognition was to continue in the tradition of respecting the tradition of our people and ensure the continuation of the unity and harmony among the three major religions in the state.
Reaffirming his commitment to supporting and respecting all religions in the state, Abiodun however, expressed the commitment of his administration towards promoting, preserving and nurturing the culture and tradition of our people.
While congratulating the traditional religion worshippers on the occasion he also urged them to celebrate with decorum and avoid acts capable of threatening the existing peace in the state.
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