CITIZENS COMPASS —Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have joined their Oyo counterpart to declare Monday, August 21, 2023, as a public holiday for the agelong traditional celebration, ‘Isese’ Day in Nigeria.
Isese Day is set aside by traditional religious worshippers to celebrate Yoruba culture and tradition.
Governor Abiodun, on 7th, March, 2023 issued an executive order, declaring August 20 of every year as Isese Day in Ogun State.
The state House of Assembly, on July 11, gave legal backing to the executive order.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lekan Adeniran on Saturday, praised the existing harmony among the adherents of all religions in the Gateway State.
He said the recognition granted Isese Day 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.
Prince Abiodun 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 avoud acts capable of threatening the existing peace in the state.
It would be recalled that Prince Abiodun established the board of Alternate Medicine on the 29th of September, 2020 to support alternative medical practitioners in the state.
This is in recognition of their roles as traditional birth attendants among other contributions to the wellbeing of the people of the state.
Meanwhile, Lagos State declaration was contained in a statement dated August 18, 2023.
The circular, which was signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that the declaration of Monday as a work-free day for public servants by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was “with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage.”
“In restating its 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, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has graciously declared Monday, 21st August 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August at 8 am prompt,” the circular partly read.
