Osun Declares August 20 Public Holiday For Hijrah
Osun State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2020 a work-free day across the state to commemorate the beginning of a new Islamic year – 1442 AH, and enable the State Traditional Worshippers to celebrate this year’s edition of “Isese” festival.
A separate statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode and her counterpart in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Obawale Adebisi stated that workers in the State are expected to resume work on Friday, August 21, 2020.
In her statement, Egbemode stated that the holiday will afford the Muslim Community in the State the opportunity of celebrating this year’s Hijrah.
“The State Government wishes to emphasize that the holiday is no approval for large gatherings or unauthorized meetings under any guise. Residents are enjoined to observe the safety guidelines against COVID-19 as outlined by the government and the NCDC”.
Also, Obawale in his statement said Governor Adegboyega Oyetola while felicitating with the Traditional Worshippers Association’s (TRWASO) Executives both at the State and Local Government levels appreciates them for their consistent cooperation and understanding with the State Government, in the practice of their religion, especially, since the emergence of Coronavirus.
“In view of the sensitivity of the COVID-19 in the State, we hereby urge the Traditional Worshippers to celebrate the Grand Finale of the year 2020 festival coming up on Thursday 20th August, 2020 at their various Temples, devoid of social activities.
“We seize this opportunity to remind them not to relent in their efforts in prayer for the State because, the pandemic spread still persists, hence, the strong desire to strictly comply with the State Government COVID-19 protocols during and after the Celebration”, Obawale concluded.
