Kayokayo festival promotes grassroot tourism, unites rural dwellers – Traditional ruler
By Idris Olukoya
The Kayokayo Festival, an annual festival in Epe, is a veritable platform that promotes tourism at the grassroots, the Traditional Ruler of Epe Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Shefiu Adewale, says.
Adewale, who is the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, told newsmen at the grand finale of the week-long celebration of the festival in Epe on Saturday that the festival also helped unite dwellers in the ancient kingdom.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual festival kicked off on July 29, 2023 and ended on Aug. 5.
Adewale said that the yearly traditional festival was observed in commemoration of the arrival of King Kosoko and his warlords to Eko-Epe in 1851.
He added that it was also an event that ushered in the new Islamic Calendar Year.
The traditional ruler said that the festival was significant in that it brought people of the community together, irrespective of their economic status.
“People have this notion that Epe has no culture, but I am happy that Kayokayo festival has been long celebrated by the people of Epe.
“Although, many who started this celebration with us are no longer here, we thank Almighty Allah for preserving our lives to see this year’s festival.
“It is our desire to keep celebrating and soon, Kayokayo will become an international celebration, ” he said.
Adewale added that the festival had kept on evolving over the years as new ideas, activities and innovations had transformed the festival into a more pleasant and interesting occasion for the communities, and participants from far and wide.
He congratulated the entire community on the occasion and called for more support and peaceful co-existence among the residents of the community.
The traditional ruler urged residents to embrace peace and unity, while working hard for the progress and development of Epe Land.
Adewale commended the organising committee for its tremendous effort in ensuring that the festival was pleasant and enjoyable.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the festival, Mr Tajudeen Abass, described the festival as significant for the people and community.
He said that the Epe Kingdom was blessed with a rich cultural heritage, which must be harnessed for the benefit and development of the society.
“One of the significance of this festival is that it serves as an avenue for people to come wine and dine, and also to pray for peace and unity of the community and beyond.
“We thank our sponsors at home and abroad for their generous contributions in making this year’s festival a success,” Abass said.
He commended the Kosoko family, as he revealed that over the years the family had shown sincere support for the celebration of the festival with generous contributions.
“This year, they have also donated a sum of N520, 000 and trophies to be presented to the three winners of the Quranic/Quiz Competition,” he said.
NAN reports that the celebration featured the Islamic Lecture/Quranic Recitation competition, special Kayokayo prayer at First Epe Central Mosque, medical mission and job fair.
It also included the lighting of the symbolic ‘Etufu’, novelty match, scholarship grants presentation/job awards, fanti carnival and fashion show.
There was also the children’s party and musical entertainment/performance by Queen Salawa Abeni and Sule Alao-Malaika. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare
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