The Lagos State Government has announced that more than three million residents are expected to participate in the 2025 edition of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, a festival dedicated to celebrating Yoruba heritage, culture, and spirituality.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Idris Aregbe, described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape.

In commemoration of the celebration, Governor Sanwo-Olu has declared Wednesday, August 20, a public holiday.

“This is not just a holiday. It is an opportunity for millions of Lagosians to reconnect with their roots, appreciate ancestral heritage, and experience the beauty of our cultural practices that continue to shape our identity as a people,” said Aregbe.

The 2025 celebration will feature prayers, rituals, processions, and other cultural activities dedicated to the worship of the Òrìṣà (deities). Government offices, schools, and many private businesses are expected to shut down, creating room for residents to participate in the Isese celebration.

The Lagos State Government also appealed to participants to celebrate peacefully and respectfully, stressing that the event should remain a symbol of unity.

“With three million voices coming together in honour of tradition, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day goes beyond festivities. It is history, faith, and cultural pride expressed in harmony. Lagos remains a beacon of unity, where every heritage finds its place,” Aregbe added.