Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared August 20 a work-free day to mark 2024 Isese Day.
The governor’s Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the declaration of the work-free day by Makinde was contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo.
Makinde had stated last year that every August 20 would be observed as a work-free day in the state in commemoration of Isese Day.
The governor, in the circular, enjoined all traditional worshippers and all citizens to use the day to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.
The Isese Day has been set aside in Oyo State to celebrate the indigenous Yoruba culture and traditions as well as the preservation of the Yoruba heritage. It is marked annually on 20 August and celebrated by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB has made a slight adjustment to the interview timetable for job seekers.
The Board said the interview session set for Tuesday, 20th August 2024, clashes with the Isese Day, which is a public holiday in Oyo Statee.
Adeniran, who conveyed the decision in an official statement on Tuesday, emphasized the need to respect cultural practices.
He however maintained that all candidates will have equal opportunities to participate in the last stage of the recruitment exercise.
He said, “In view of this observation, the affected LGAs whose interviews were slated for Wednesday, 20th August 2024, have been rescheduled to Monday,” the Chairman stated.
The affected local government areas whose interviews have been shifted from Tuesday, August 20, 2024, include: Saki West, Saki East, Irepo, Oriire, Olorunsogo, Orelope, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South.
Adeniran called for strict compliance of the rescheduled timetable.
Dr. Adeniran added that the Board’s decision has been met with widespread approval from stakeholders who appreciate the sensitivity and responsiveness shown by the educational authorities.
Below is the reviewed timetable:
Wednesday, August 14, 2024: Egbeda and Atisbo
Thursday, August 15, 2024: Akinyele, Afijio, and Ibarapa central Local government areas.
Friday, August 16, 2024: Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Lagelu, and Iwajowa.
Monday, August 19, 2024: Ido and Ibadan South West Local Government Areas.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024: Atiba, Oyo East, Oyo West, Surulere, and Ogo-Oluwa.
Thursday, August 22, 2024: Ibadan South-East, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West.
Friday, August 23, 2024: Oluyole and Ona Ara local government areas.
Monday, August 26, 2024: Saki West, Saki East, Irepo, Oriire, Olorunsogo, Orelope, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South.