- Ademola Adeleke approved earlier closing times for public servants in Osun State during Ramadan and Lent as part of his administration’s welfare measures
- In a circular issued by Head of Service Ayanleye Aina, workers were directed to close at 2pm Monday to Thursday and 1pm on Fridays, excluding essential medical personnel
- The governor said the adjustment would allow staff more time for prayer and reflection, expressing hope that the fasting season would sustain peace ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a reduction in official working hours for state employees in observance of the ongoing Ramadan and Lent fasting periods.
The directive, which takes effect from Thursday, 19 February 2026, is aimed at supporting public servants during the religious season. Governor Adeleke said the adjustment forms part of his administration’s welfare measures for the state workforce.
The decision was conveyed in a circular dated 19 February 2026 and issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina. Titled ‘Closure of Work During Ramadan and Lent Fasting Periods,’ the circular outlined the revised schedule for civil servants across the state.
According to the document, public servants are to close work at 2pm from Monday to Thursday, and at 1pm on Fridays, for the duration of the fasting seasons only.
The circular stated: “As part of the welfare packages of the State Government for its workforce, the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has graciously approved that public servants should close work by 2pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and 1pm on Fridays, during the ongoing Ramadan and Lent seasons only.
“This gesture of the Governor is to enable public servants have sufficient time to pray for the existing peace and tranquillity in the state to continue unhindered, more so as the gubernatorial election is holding in the state this year.”
However, the directive excludes workers engaged in essential services, particularly medical personnel, in view of the critical and life-saving nature of their duties. Hospitals and other emergency services are therefore expected to maintain their normal operational hours.
Governor Adeleke also instructed all political office holders, accounting officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, heads of non-ministerial agencies, local government authorities, and Local Council Development Authorities to ensure strict compliance with the circular. They were further directed to give the contents of the notice wide publicity among staff.
The adjustment reflects the state government’s recognition of the significance of both Ramadan for Muslim faithful and Lent for Christians, two periods marked by fasting, prayer and reflection. Observers note that the move may also help ease pressure on workers balancing professional responsibilities with religious obligations.
With the gubernatorial election scheduled to take place later this year, the governor expressed hope that the season of prayer would contribute to sustained peace and stability across Osun State.