Ahead of August 20, a day set aside for traditional worshipers, top officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have met with the state chapter of the Association of African Traditional Religion, Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN), assuring them that a law that will protect their interests is already before the State House of Assembly.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf and the Special Adviser, Mr. Solomon Bonu who jointly addressed members of the Association explained that the bill that will give due attention to and protect their interest is being considered by the State House of Assembly and would soon be passed into law.
Commenting on the request of members of the Association for the declaration of August 20 as a public holiday for traditional religion adherents, Akinbile-Yussuf said that the request is justifiable, assuring them of the ministry’s continuous support.
On his part, the Special Adviser, Mr. Solomon Bonu, extolled the determination of members of the Association and thanked them for their patience over the years.
The President of AATREN, Chief Olusegun Elegushi, had earlier pleaded with the state government to graciously approve August 20 of every year as a public holiday for traditional worshippers, the same way practitioners of other religions enjoy public holidays.