₦airaland Forum

LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a work-free day for public servants in commemoration of Isese Day, an annual celebration of Yoruba culture and traditions.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the holiday to enable traditional worshippers and members of the public to fully participate in the cultural observance dedicated to promoting and preserving indigenous heritage.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, dated August 18, 2025, and circulated to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The circular explained that the declaration aligns with the state government’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions and enhancing the preservation of Yoruba cultural values.

“Mr. Governor has approved that Wednesday, 20th August 2025 be declared a work-free day for public servants in the state,” the notice read. “Consequently, work resumes on Thursday, 21st August 2025 at 8:00 a.m.”

All accounting officers were directed to ensure wide dissemination of the information across their various agencies.

Isese Day is celebrated annually in Lagos State as a mark of respect for traditional religion adherents and to promote cultural pride among the Yoruba people.

The Ogun State Government has announced Wednesday , August 20, 2025,as a public holiday to commemorate the annual Isese Day celebration.

It would be recalled that August 20 was formally declared a public holiday in 2023, following a motion passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly and the concurrent approval of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The day is set aside to celebrate Yoruba religion and traditions.

In a statement, the state government said the introduction of Isese Day as a public holiday reflects Governor Abiodun's recognition of the vital role that Yoruba heritage and practices play in the state's identity and cultural landscape.

"Isese Day serves as an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba religion to honour their ancestors, engage in traditional practices, and promote the values and teachings inherent in their spiritual beliefs.

"The celebration not only fosters a sense of community among practitioners but also invites the broader society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural tapestry that the Yoruba tradition contributes to Nigeria," the statement said.

E signed

Hon. Kayode Akinmade
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy

chopnaira:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/isese-day-sanwo-olu-declares-august-20-public-holiday-for-lagos-public-servants/

LagosOrigin:
Idol worshipping

Sanwo olu is a Christian I think , why participating in things that are against the teachings of the bible

TrustMM:
This is good what is good for the gander is good for the goose so they cannot be declaring public holiday for Christmas salah and traditional will be left

Slytiger:
Christianity too is idol worshipping. Now you know.

Justiceleague1:
I Will love to attend the one held in Kwara state,thank you very much

Vergovert:
Isese l'agba!

Isese l'adayeba.

Adayeba l'adaye se.

August 20 is the recognized Isese day across western Nigeria.


Isese agbewa o!

chopnaira:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/isese-day-sanwo-olu-declares-august-20-public-holiday-for-lagos-public-servants/

parkervero:
Can you substantiate your claim by explaining in detail how how it is an Idol worship religion?

ProudlyLagos:
ndi Lagos is no man’s land people will soon be here to cry there eyes out……how Yorubas chose to rule there land seem to always get angry and bitter we don’t share tradition or culture nor do we share border but they make Lagos there life time problem btw proudly Lagos

ReliableTailor:
Okay o. They should observe the Isese peacefully. That's all I have to say.

LagosOrigin:
Idol worshipping

Sanwo olu is a Christian I think , why participating in things that are against the teachings of the bible

Slytiger:
Christianity too is idol worshipping. Now you know.

Justiceleague1:
I Will love to attend the one held in Kwara state,thank you very much

ProudlyLagos:
ndi Lagos is no man’s land people will soon be here to cry there eyes out……how Yorubas chose to rule there land seem to always get angry and bitter we don’t share tradition or culture nor do we share border but they make Lagos there life time problem btw proudly Lagos