By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Monday August 21st as Work-Free Day for all public servants in the State.
The holiday is meant to commemorate the year 2023 Isese Day, Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS) noted in a statement made available to journalists.
The Isese Day is set aside in Lagos to celebrate the indigenous Yoruba culture and traditions as well as the preservation of the Yoruba heritage.
According to a circular issued by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, this Year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Sunday, 20th August, 2023.
He stated further that the declaration of Work Free Day by Governor Sanwo-Olu is reaffirmation of his “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”.
The circular announced Tuesday, 22nd August at 8:00a.m. prompt as resumption of work for all state workers.
Meanwhile, besides Oyo State which had earlier declared a public holiday for Monday for the same purpose, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday, also declared Monday, 21st August 2023 as a public holiday in commemoration of the annual Isese Day celebration by the traditional religious worshippers.
This is contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.
”I have the honour and privilege to convey the compliment and best wishes of the Executive Governor of Osun state, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke to all traditional religion worshippers in Osun state on the occasion of this year’s 2023 Isese Day celebrations coming up tomorrow 20th August, 2023.
”As a government that promotes oneness, unity and religious harmony between the practitioners of different religions in Osun state , Mr Governor has approved, Monday,the 21st of August 2023 as a Public Holiday throughout the state.
“Finally, Mr. Governor while congratulating all traditional religion worshippers and wishing them happy celebrations on this occasion, also wishes to implore them to make the occasion not only peaceful and fun-filled but another opportunity to pray for the government and good people of Osun state.
“The state government wishes Isese adherents a peaceful and rewarding celebration,” the statement read in part.
Recall that the Kwara State government, reportedly guided by some religious leaders, placed a ban on the celebration of Isese Day in Ilorin, with the police said to have refused to grant permit to Isese devotees.
What's your reaction?
