The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced that every August 20 will be dedicated to the celebration of Isese Festival while Monday 21 will also serve as holiday for workers in the state.
A statement by the Secretary of Heads of Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in the state, Mogaji Fakayode Fatunde, Araba of Ibadan, Chief Ifalere Odegbola and Aare Isese Foundation, Baale Omikunmi Egbelade respectively, quoted the Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, to have announced this, on Friday, in Ibadan, the state capital.
The association saluted the strong will of the governor to institute sense of equality among religions and adherents in the state.
It, therefore, called on traditional religion believers to see the Isese Day celebration as an avenue to get closer to their creator and pray for humanity, Nigeria, the state and their different households to prosper.
“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.
While appreciating the governor, the association also gave kudos to the Ministry of Culture and the state House of Assembly for also nudging the state’s Chief Executive into action on the holiday.
