To commemorate the year 2023 Isese Day, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Monday, August 21 a work-free day for all public servants in the State.
The Isese Day has been set aside in Lagos to celebrate the indigenous Yoruba culture and traditions as well as the preservation of the Yoruba heritage, a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, indicated on Saturday.
According to a circular issued by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, this year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Sunday, August 20.
Muri-Okunola stated further that the declaration of a work-free day by the governor is a reaffirmation of his “commitment to continue to provide the 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, August 22 at 8 am prompt as resumption of work for all State workers.
Similarly, the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared Monday August 21 as public holiday for public servants in commemoration of the 2023 Isese Day celebrations.
“Makinde approves August 20 as Isese Day, declares Monday a public holiday
The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved that August 20 of every year as Isese Day in the state,” the governor’s Chief Press Secretary Sulaimon Olanrewaju announced through a statement.
“To this end, the governor has declared Monday, August 21, 2023, as the maiden public holiday to commemorate the day.”
The statement quoted a circular from the Secretary to the Oyo State Government Professor Olanike Adeyemo instructing traditional worshippers in the State to use the period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the State in particular and the country in general.
It noted that Makinde’s approval of the Isese Day is an indication of the “governor’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all religious practices in the state”.
The development follows a similar one from the Lagos State Government which had already declared Monday as a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day.
Also, the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has declared Monday, August 21 as a public holiday to commemorate the annual Isese Day.
Governor Abiodun, through a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, praised the existing harmony among adherents of all religions in the State.
He said the decision to accord Isese Day a special recognition is to continue the culture of respecting the tradition of the Ogun people and ensure the continuation of the unity and harmony among the three major religions in the State.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and respecting all religions in the State.
He also expressed the commitment of his administration to promote, preserve and nurture 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.