The Lagos State Government has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a public holiday for all workers in commemoration of the annual Isese Day celebration.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by the state government on Tuesday, said the holiday is in recognition of the significance of Isese Day, which honors the traditions, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people.
The governor emphasized that the work-free day would allow traditional worshippers and cultural practitioners to fully participate in activities marking the festival, adding that the holiday reflects Lagos’ commitment to religious inclusivity and cultural preservation.
Background
Isese Day, celebrated annually in several Southwest states, is dedicated to Yoruba traditional religion and serves as a platform to promote unity, cultural identity, and respect for ancestral heritage.
While declaring the holiday, Governor Sanwo-Olu also urged Lagos residents to use the day to embrace peace, harmony, and respect for all faiths, stressing that cultural diversity remains one of the state’s greatest strengths.
Normal work activities are expected to resume on Thursday, August 21, 2025.