Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that annual August 20 will be dedicated to the celebration of the Isese Festival, with Monday 21 also serving as a holiday for state workers.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary of the State Heads of Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Mogaji Fakayode Fatunde, Araba of Ibadan, Chief Ifalere Odegbola, and Aare Isese Foundation, Baale Omikunmi Egbelade, the Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, announced this on Friday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The organisation applauded the governor’s strong desire to instill a spirit of equality across religions and devotees in the state.
It thus urged traditional religion adherents to view the Isese Day celebration as an opportunity to draw closer to their creator and 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.
