List of States Where Workers Did Not Go to Work Today and Why
- Lagos and three other states in the southwest have declared Wednesday, August 20, as a work-free day for workers in their states
- The development was in honour of the 2025 Isese Day celebration, which is often carried out by the adherents of traditional religion
- Isese Day has become an official annual celebration day for the symbol inclusiveness and cultural pride for the Yoruba people
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No less than four of the six states in the southwest have declared Wednesday, August 20, as a work-free day for workers in their states in commemoration of the Isese Day celebration.
Isese Day is one of the annual celebrations by the adherents of traditional religion in Yorubaland. It is observed to preserve and honour the people's rich cultural heritage.
Source: Twitter
The governments of the states have recently institutionalised the day, while recognising the impact of traditional belief in the state's social and cultural landscape.
Below is the list of states that have declared a public holiday:
Lagos State
The Lagos government has disclosed that the 2025 Isese Day will be held on Wednesday, August 20, in the state. As a result of this, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared the day a public holiday for all public servants in the state.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that the public holiday was to commemorate the 2025 Isese Day. This was announced in a circular issued by the office of the Head of Service, Huiel Bode Agoro, with reference number CIR/HOS/’25/Vol.I/064.
Seyi Makinde of Oyo
Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government has also declared the day a work-free day, to commemorate the 2025 Isese Day. He urged all citizens in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.
Secretary to the state government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, in a circular letter dated Monday, August 18, indicated that the governor approved the work-free day to mark the Isese Day 2025 celebration.
Source: Twitter
Ogun of Dapo Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun government is the third in the southwest to declare a public holiday in honour of the Isese Day. Abiodun declared August 20 a public holiday.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, said the introduction of Isese Day as a public holiday was in line with the state's primary objectives.
Osun declares public holiday
The fourth state in the southwest, honouring the Isese Day, is Osun. Abdul Rasheed Aderibigbe, the state's commissioner for home affairs, said that the announcement was part of Governor Ademola Adeleke's commitment to recognise and honour the people's cultural heritage.
Isese Day has become officially known in the southwest, becoming an annual symbol of the inclusiveness and cultural pride of the Yoruba people.
FG declares holiday in honour of Buhari
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal government declared a public holiday to honour the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at a London hospital.
Authorities said the public holiday was to pay tribute to Buhari for "his service to Nigeria, his contributions to the democratic journey of Nigeria, as well as his enduring legacies in national development and governance".
Source: Legit.ng
