Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declare that Isese Festival will be celebrated on August 20 every year, and the following Monday, August 21, will be a holiday for state employees.
The Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, was cited in a statement by the Heads of Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in the state, Araba of Ibadan, Chief Ifalere Odegbola, and Aare Isese Foundation, Baale Omikunmi Egbelade, as having made this announcement on Friday in the state capital of Ibadan.
The association praised the governor’s strong commitment to establishing a spirit of equality among the various religions and their followers in the state.
Therefore, it urged adherents of traditional religion to embrace the Isese Day celebration as a chance to get closer to their creator and to pray for the prosperity of humanity, Nigeria, the state, and their various houses.
“Though, it came late, but we are today happy that this Governor, Makinde that has always keep to his promises since he got to office, eventually did us this honour of setting aside every August 20 to celebrate Isese Festival while Monday 21 has also been declared as holiday for workers to celebrate Isese Day in our dear state, we are grateful.
“We have not forgotten that past administrations did not give us this honor despite our appeals. Today, Makinde has broken another record by placing his name on history that he took this giant leap by stamping the administration’s authority on equality of all religions for the sake of better people and humanity as a whole.
“We use this opportunity to appreciate Edumare, the creator of heaven and heart for making us witness this day and those who have done one or two things to make this possible.” The association added.
The group praised the governor while also praising the state House of Assembly and the Ministry of Culture for encouraging the state’s Chief Executive to take action on the holiday.
