As the annual day set aside for traditional worshipers draws near, top officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have met with the Association of African Traditional Religion, Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN), Lagos State Chapter, ahead of the August 20 Day for traditional worshippers.

The duo of the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf and the Special Adviser, Mr. Solomon Bonu, jointly addressed members of the Association who paid a visit to the Ministry recently.

In her remarks, the Commissioner informed the traditionalists that a law that will protect their interests is already before the State House of Assembly, saying that “The Bill that will give due attention to and protect the interest of traditional worshippers is already being considered by the State House of Assembly and would soon be passed into Law”.

Speaking 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, adding that the Ministry will continue to give necessary support to the position of the Association.

The Commissioner, therefore, promised that the Ministry will schedule a meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu, where members of the Association will have an opportunity to present their requests directly to the Governor.

She assured AATREN of the government’s cooperation and unalloyed support, assuring that the Governor has the interest of all residents at heart.

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 20th as a public holiday the same way practitioners of other religions enjoy public holidays.

He argued that the denial of a single day as public holiday out of 365 days in a year is not fair to the practitioners, stressing that the request, which has become a yearly debate, should be fast-tracked and accorded due recognition.