By Waliu Adetokun,Osogbo
Osun state, governor Ademola Adeleke, has approved a reduction in official working hours for public servants in the State to ease the burden on workers observing the Ramadan and Lent fasting periods.
The adjustment, which takes effect from Thursday, February 19, 2026, allows civil servants to close work by 2:00 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays and by 1:00 p.m. on Fridays for the duration of the fasting seasons.
The approval was conveyed in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, signed by Elder Ayanleye Aina and dated February 19, 2026.
The circular, titled “Closure of Work During Ramadan and Lent Fasting Periods,” described the measure as part of the state government’s welfare package for its workforce.
According to the circular, the reduced hours are intended to give workers adequate time for prayers and spiritual activities, particularly as the state prepares for its gubernatorial election later this year.
The government expressed hope that the gesture would contribute to the sustenance of peace and tranquility across the state.
The directive, however, excludes officers providing essential services, especially medical personnel, due to the life-saving nature of their duties.
All political office holders, accounting officers of ministries, departments and agencies, heads of non-ministerial agencies, as well as local government and local council development authorities, have been instructed to comply fully and ensure wide dissemination of the directive among their staff.
