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Paul Akomolehin, South West
DAILY COURIER – The governments of Lagos, Ogun, and Osun States have declared Tuesday, August 20, 2024, as public holiday to celebrate the 2024 Isese Day.
The United Nations had declared August 20 as World Traditional Religion (Isese) Day for the celebration of traditional religion globally.
Special Adviser to Ogun state governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, who disclosed this in a statement, said the decision was in line with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s firm belief in religious inclusivity.
He said the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state to commemorate their special day, adding that Ogun State remains an exemplary federating unit with an enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity.
Akinmade, therefore, urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of other religions in the course of celebration so as to sustain the inherent culture of religious tolerance in the State.
He also charged the adherents to use the special festive period to pray for peace and economic advancement in Ogun State and Nigeria at large, adding that prayers contribute immensely to the success of every nation.
Lagos Government declaring a holiday for the first time in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro said the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved that Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 be declared work-free day for public servants in the State.
The circular said public servants were to resume work on Wednesday by 8.00am.
The circular reads: “COMMEMORATION OF YEAR 2024 ISESE DAY – DECLARATION OF WORK FREE DAY
“It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day Celebration will hold on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024.
Also, the Osun government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul-Rasheed Aderibigbe, stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke approved the holiday to allow traditionalists to enjoy the special day.
It reads, “This is to inform the General Public that the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has declared Tuesday, 20th August 2024 as a Public Holiday to celebrate “ISESE DAY”.
He also charged traditionalists to use the day to pray for the administration and the state to prosper, as well as endear unity among various religious groups across the state.
DAILY COURIER earlier reported that the government of Oyo State was the first to declare a public holiday for the 2024 Isese Day celebration.
