Isese: Lagos Declares Monday Work-free Day

In a move to celebrate and honor the 2023 Isese Day celebration, the Lagos State Government has made the decision to declare Monday, August 21st, as a work-free day for all public servants within the state. This announcement comes in light of the upcoming Isese Day celebration scheduled for Sunday, August 20th.

The declaration of this work-free day was formalized through a circular dated August 18th, as acquired by The PUNCH on Saturday. The circular, which bears the signature of Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Lagos State Head of Service, clarifies that the decision to grant this day off was made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This gesture from the government is aimed at fostering the appreciation of indigenous culture and traditions while safeguarding the rich heritage of the state.

The circular highlights the commitment of the Lagos State Government to provide ongoing support to traditional institutions, reinforcing the value placed on indigenous culture and heritage preservation. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s decision to designate Monday, August 21st, 2023, as a work-free day for public servants in the state is a reflection of this commitment. Normal work operations are expected to resume promptly at 8 am on Tuesday, August 22nd.

This announcement comes in the wake of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs advocating for the official recognition of August 20th as Isese Day, a significant celebration within the indigenous faith tradition. During the inauguration of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs for their renewed five-year term, these traditional rulers collectively emphasized the importance of acknowledging August 20th as Isese Day, aligning with principles of democracy and religious freedom.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Oba Saheed Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom emphasized that the call for this recognition has been presented to the governor for an extended period. The council’s request is grounded in the desire to honor and commemorate this cultural event, which holds deep significance within the community.

the Lagos State Government’s decision to declare Monday, August 21st, as a work-free day for public servants aligns with their commitment to promoting indigenous culture, tradition, and heritage preservation. This gesture reflects the government’s responsiveness to the sentiments of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, reinforcing the importance of recognizing cultural celebrations within the state.