Ahead of the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, the state government has declared Friday, November 15, as a work-free day for public servants.
This measure is intended to allow citizens sufficient time to travel to their respective communities, enabling them to participate in the voting process on Saturday, November 16, when the election will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In an official press release issued on November 13, through O. F. Ayodele, Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Head of Service, announced this decision, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility and the need to support public servants’ engagement in the democratic process.
“The 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State has been scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold on Saturday, 16th November, 2024. To this end, the Ondo State Government has declared Friday, 15th November, 2024, as Work-Free Day for Public Servants in the State to enable them travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities,” the statement read.
The circular further directed all accounting officers to ensure that this message is effectively disseminated to every staff member within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This directive underscores the Ondo State Government’s commitment to fostering a participatory democracy by facilitating accessibility for public servants to vote in the upcoming election.
This proactive approach has been well-received as it highlights the importance of democratic engagement and the role of the government in making voting accessible.
By creating this work-free day, the state government demonstrates a keen awareness of the logistical challenges voters may face and the vital role of public servants in setting an example of active citizenship.
