Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Tuesday a work-free day to enable civil servants to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

The directive is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed.

The governor directed all state workers, including local government staff and those in tertiary institutions, to stay off duty to collect their PVCs.

He said the State Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, had conveyed the directive to workers through an official circular.

Mr Adeleke explained that the work-free day was approved to allow public servants to perform their civic responsibility ahead of the August 15 governorship election and future polls in the state.

He, however, noted that workers on essential duties, such as medical personnel and security operatives, should make necessary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services.

The governor urged public servants and informal sector workers to collect their PVCs without delay, stressing the importance of the election to the state’s future.

Mr Adeleke also encouraged all registered voters to visit designated collection centres promptly.

“Your vote is your power. Your voter card is your licence to the ballot and, by extension, to the ballot box,” he said.

(NAN)