Members of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association have commended the state government for its penchant for religious harmony and support for religious freedom in readiness for the Isese festival.
Several south-western states in Nigeria declared that every August 20 will be dedicated to the celebration of the Isese Festival, while Monday, August 21, is also declared a holiday for workers in the state.
This is because members of the association have been upbeat, preparing for various events that will usher in the first Isese Day festival that has the approval of the government.
A statement by the Secretary of the Association, Oyo Chapter, Fakayode Fatunde; Araba of Ibadan, Ifalere Odegbola; and Aare Isese Foundation, Omikunmi Egbelade, respectively, saluted the strong will of the governor Makinde to institute a sense of equality among religions and adherents in the state.
The group, 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.
It said, “Although it came late, we are today happy that this governor, who has always kept to his promises since he got to office, eventually did us this honour of setting aside a special day to celebrate Isese Day in our dear state. We are grateful.
“We have not forgotten that past administrations did not give us this honour despite our appeals. Today, Governor Makinde has broken another record by placing his name in history. 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 earth, for making us witness this day and those who have done one or two things to make this possible.”
