Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved Thursday, August 20, as a work-free day across the state to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
The declaration is aimed at giving residents the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the Yoruba people’s cultural and traditional heritage.
The decision was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and made public on Wednesday through a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan.
In the memo, Makinde congratulated adherents of African Traditional Religion in Oyo State, Nigeria and beyond, while wishing them a successful and spiritually rewarding celebration.
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The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to treating adherents of all religions fairly. He further appreciated traditional worshippers for their support and contributions to his administration over the past seven years.
The memo stated that “the work-free day will enable workers and residents to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage and pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general.”
Makinde had introduced the Isese Day observance as part of efforts to recognise practitioners of traditional religion and promote the state’s cultural heritage.
The governor has also identified cultural tourism as an important avenue for economic development, describing Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage as one of its major strengths.