Breaking: Oyo Governor Announces Work-free Day for Isese 2025, Holiday Date Unveiled
- The governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, has declared a work-free day for public servants in the state
- Governor Makinde, set aside Wednesday, August 20, a public holiday for workers and residents to celebrate 2025 Isese Day in Oyo state
- Isese Day is observed as a public holiday in Oyo, one of the 10 states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Ibadan, Oyo state - Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a work-free day.
Secretary to the state government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, in a circular letter dated Monday, August 18, indicated that the governor approved the work-free day to mark the Isese Day 2025 celebration.
Source: Twitter
According to the circular, Governor Makinde urged all citizens in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.
Guardian and The Punch noted the update in a report on Monday, August 18.
Oyo is one of the only two states in the southwest geopolitical zone governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Legit.ng reports that the news of the holiday is a pleasant update for Isese adherents.
Source: Twitter
Why Nigerians like public holidays
Spiritual connection and celebration
Religious holidays, in particular, carry deep spiritual meaning and community connection. Traditionalists look forward to Isese Day to rejuvenate their Yoruba cultural and spiritual heritage.
Christians embrace Christmas and Easter for the religious services and family time. Muslims admire the two Eids for the sense of peace it purportedly brings. Even secular holidays like Workers’ Day or Democracy Day are viewed as moments of national reflection and an excuse for a day off.
Quality time with loved ones
Public holidays also give people the perfect time to spend time with family and friends. Nigeria is one place where community and extended family ties are strong and any opportunity to gather, cook, gist, or go on outings is fully embraced.
This is why for public holidays with long weekends, you find people travelling home to spend time with their family. Others would plan hangouts just to bond and catch up.
Break from the daily hustle
Public holidays offer a much-needed break from the daily hustle. Nigerian workers are used to working long hours and for most people, they juggle multiple jobs or side hustles just to make ends meet.
For both white-collar workers and those in the informal sector, public holidays offer a rare chance to pause, sleep in, and breathe. No traffic stress, no 5 a.m. alarms, just a day or two to rest.
Also, public holidays provide a sense of relief especially in a country where things can often feel chaotic with people battling economic stress and political drama. Even if just for 24 hours, on public holidays, you can just relax, and enjoy the simple things.
Read more Isese Day:
- Isese Day: List of states that have declared Monday public holiday
- Isese Day: Nigerian governor declares Monday public holiday
Lagos declares Isese public holiday
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Lagos government disclosed that the 2025 Isese Day will be held on Wednesday, August 20, in the state.
As a result of this, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared the day a work-free for all public servants in the state.
Source: Legit.ng
