Kayokayo, the yearly traditional festival observed in commemoration of the arrival of King Kosoko and his warlords to Eko-Epe in 1851, as well as an event that ushers in the new Islamic calendar year, has commenced in the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Oba Shefiu Adewale, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, said at a press conference in his Palace that the festival is significant as it brings people of the community together irrespective of their economic status.
He explained that activities marking the week-long Kayokayo festival will begin with a special Jumat prayer at Epe Central Mosque, followed by a Children’s Party, Islamic Lectures/Recitation of the Holy Quran, Health Mission, Youth Day/Novelty Match, presentation of Scholarship/Awards to indigenes, Carnivals, and Lightning of the symbolic ‘Etufu’ among others.
According to Oba Adewale, the festival keeps evolving over the years as new ideas, activities and innovations have transformed the festival into a more pleasant and interesting occasion for the communities and participants from far and wide.
“In the past years we just run around the town at night, having fun in our own little way but now the festival has taken a new shape and I want to commend the organising committee for building on the foundation we laid”, he said
While congratulating the entire community on the great occasion, Oba Shefiu called for peaceful co-existence among the members of the community by embracing peace and unity while working hard for the progress and development of the Epe Land.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Y2022 Kayokayo Festival Committee, Otunba Gbenga Abass described the festival as significant for the people and community, adding that the Epe Kingdom is blessed with a rich cultural heritage which must be harnessed for the benefit of society.
In his words: “Kayokayo festival has evolved over the years, it has become a platform to consolidate the socioeconomic landscape of the community as well as a platform to promote and showcase our culture. In the last two years, we have not been able to do much because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now the flamboyance is back, it is going to be a seven days event with an interesting line-up of activities with maximum security put in place”.
“Most importantly, we just want people to come and wine and dine and pray for peace and unity. We thank our sponsors home and abroad for their generous contributions in making this year’s festival a memorable one”, he added.
While thanking the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, and others for their generous donations, Abass noted that part of the plan for this year’s festival is fundraising to allow voluntary donations from members of the community towards the success of the festival.
“However, next year, we intend to partner with various companies and industries for a job fair to enable the youths gain meaningful employment and also collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to provide free drugs and other medical services for the people”, the Otunba stated.
He disclosed that during the Y2022 festival, scholarships will be given to over 50 indigent residents of Epe with other awards presentations to deserving indigenes, stressing that the aim is to continue to explore more ways of making the festival fun and enjoyable for everyone.
A prominent daughter of the town and Publicity Secretary of the Y2022 Kayokayo, Planning Committee, Alhaja Sola Alade Raji, solicited the Lagos State’s government support for the festival because it promotes unity, peace, harmony and economic development while serving as a tourist attraction.
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