Kayokayo, the annual celebration commemorating the entrance of King Kosoko and his warriors to Eko-Epe in 1851 and marking the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year, has begun in the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Adewale, said during a news conference at his Palace that the festival is vital because it unites community members regardless of their socioeconomic condition.
He explained that the week-long Kayokayo festival will commence 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 the Lighting of the Symbolic ‘Etufu’, among others.
According to Oba Adewale, the festival has evolved throughout the years as new ideas, activities, and innovations have made it a more enjoyable and engaging event for the local communities and participants from all over the world.
“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
Oba Shefiu asked for peaceful coexistence among the people of the community by embracing peace and togetherness while working hard for the prosperity and development of the Epe Land as he congratulated the whole community on the occasion.
Otunba Gbenga Abass, Coordinator of the Y2022 Kayokayo Festival Committee, characterised the festival as important for the people and community, saying that the Epe Kingdom is endowed with a rich cultural legacy that must be used 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 kind gifts, Abass stated that part of the objective for this year’s festival is to raise funds to enable community people to contribute voluntarily to the festival’s success.
“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.
During the Y2022 festival, over 50 disadvantaged Epe citizens will get scholarships, and additional prizes will be presented to worthy locals, he said, emphasising that the festival would continue to seek new methods to make it pleasurable for everyone.
Alhaja Sola Alade Raji, a notable daughter of the community and the Publicity Secretary of the Y2022 Kayokayo Planning Committee, asked the Lagos State government’s help for the festival since it fosters togetherness, peace, harmony, and economic growth while functioning as a tourist attraction.