Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, approved a half-day holiday for state employees on Friday, March 17, 2023, ahead of Saturday’s elections.
According to a circular authorised by the state government’s Secretary, Olubanwo Adeosun, the action became necessary to allow civil and public servants in the state who may wish to travel to vote in the Saturday, March 18 governorship and House of Assembly elections to do so.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, workers were expected to close at 12 p.m., with only those performing essential duties expected to remain on the job.
The circular read in part, “This approval of a half day at work will enable public and civil servants, who may wish to travel to perform their civic responsibilities, the opportunity to do so.
“Following from the above, government offices are to close by 12 noon, on Friday, March 17, 2023, while staff covering essential services are expected to remain at their duty posts.
“Public and civil servants in the state are enjoined to go out on Saturday, 1/March 18, 2023, to perform their civic responsibilities,” the statement added.