WE NEED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR OUR FESTIVALS – TRADITIONAL WORSHIPPERS TELL FG

African Traditional Religion (ATR) worshippers have appealed to the Federal government to declare August 20 as a national holiday for them.

The worshippers who noted government’s recognition of festive days for Christians and Muslims stated that their annual festival known as “Ise se Day’ should be given the same treatment like other religion.

According to a statement issued by the group’s chairman and Ogun monarch, Oba Ifarotimi Balogun, the annual event was a day the worshipers celebrated all traditional gods (deities) in the country.

He said this year’s edition which would hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, aimed at fostering peace and unity among the deities.

“It is high time the country recognized the importance of Olorisa/Ifa Priest. Muslim/Christian leaders consult us for the progress of the country and they have public holidays in their respective festivals.”