Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Tuesday, August 20, 2024, a work-free day for public servants to mark the Isese Day celebration in Lagos.
He announced the public holiday via a circular titled “Commemoration of Year 2024 Isese Day – Declaration of Work-Free Day,” which was issued on Monday by the state’s Head of Service, Bode Agoro, with Ref. No: CIR/HOS/124/Vol.1/66.
However, public servants are expected to resume work on Wednesday, August 21, at 8:00 a.m.
The statement read: “It is hereby notified for general information that this year’s Isese Day celebration will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
“In emphasizing the commitment to support traditional institutions and promote Indigenous traditions by preserving cultural heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has approved that Tuesday, August 20, 2024, be declared a work-free day for public servants in the state.”
The circular added, “Accordingly, all Accounting Officers are enjoined to note the contents of this circular and give it the deserved service-wide publicity.”
Isese is a Yoruba word that means “tradition.” Isese Day is celebrated across Yoruba states including Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and the Yoruba-speaking areas of Kogi State. The celebration promotes Yoruba culture and customs, which involve traditional prayers, dances, and animal sacrifices to deities like Obatala, Sango, Ogun, Sankpanna, and Esu.
The public holiday marks the first time Lagos State will be celebrating Isese Day exclusively, following the United Nations’ declaration of August 20 as World Traditional Religion Day.
