- The 175th Kayokayo Festival Medical Outreach provided free healthcare services, including Hepatitis B screening, eye care, dental care, malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and medical consultations for residents of Epe.
- Chairman of the Medical Committee, Comrade Amuni, described the outreach as a humanitarian initiative aimed at giving the less privileged access to quality healthcare, while appreciating donors, volunteers, the media, and the community for supporting the programme.
- Beneficiaries commended the Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee for sustaining the annual initiative, describing the expanded medical services as timely and impactful amid rising healthcare costs.
In line with activities marking the 175th edition of the historic Kayokayo Festival, hundreds of residents of Epe and its surrounding communities have benefited from a comprehensive free medical outreach held at the 1st Epe Central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, Epe, Lagos.
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Eko Hot Blog reports the annual humanitarian initiative, organized by the Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee through its Medical Committee, offered residents access to quality healthcare services at no cost, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to promoting the welfare of the people alongside preserving Epe’s rich cultural heritage.
This year’s edition stood out for its expanded range of medical services. In addition to the routine malaria screening, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and medical consultations, beneficiaries also received free Hepatitis B screening, dental care, eye examinations, health counseling, and appropriate referrals where necessary.
Speaking during the outreach, Chairman of the Medical Committee, Comrade Amuni, described the initiative as a vital aspect of the festival’s commitment to giving back to society, particularly to vulnerable and underserved members of the community.
“The essence of this medical outreach is to give back to the less privileged by providing them with access to quality healthcare services free of charge. Good health should not be a privilege reserved for only those who can afford it,” he said.
He noted that the 175th anniversary provided an opportunity to expand the programme beyond its traditional services.
“This year’s edition is much bigger than what we usually have. Apart from malaria testing, blood pressure checks and blood sugar screening, we introduced Hepatitis B screening, dental care and eye care services. We wanted to ensure that more people benefit from comprehensive healthcare, and we are delighted with the turnout.”
Comrade Amuni expressed heartfelt appreciation to members of the Epe community, medical volunteers, donors, development partners, and media organizations for their unwavering support towards the success of the programme.
“We sincerely appreciate everyone who has contributed their quota to making this 175th edition a success. Our donors, healthcare professionals, volunteers, community leaders, media practitioners and every stakeholder have demonstrated that together we can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Kaka Babatunde, emphasized that the festival is not only about celebrating history and culture but also about improving the lives of the people.
According to him, the Kayokayo Festival traces its origin to the historic arrival of King Kosoko and his followers in Epe in 1851, making it important that the celebration reflects compassion and community development.
“As we celebrate the spirit of Kayokayo, which commemorates the arrival of King Kosoko to Epe in 1851, we must also remember that the health of our people is of utmost importance. A healthy community is a prosperous community.”
He explained that the planning committee deliberately incorporated the medical outreach into the festival programme to ensure residents benefit directly from the celebration.
“Health is wealth. Beyond the cultural displays, processions and festivities, we want our people to enjoy better health. That is why we have created this opportunity for everyone, irrespective of status, to access quality medical care free of charge. This is our own way of giving back to the community that has continued to sustain the Kayokayo Festival for generations.”
Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the outreach as timely and impactful, especially in view of the rising cost of healthcare services across the country.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Agara, commended the committee for sustaining the annual initiative.
“I am truly grateful to the Kayokayo Festival Committee. This is something they do every year, and it continues to help many people who cannot easily afford medical treatment. Today, I was able to check my health and receive professional attention without paying anything. May God continue to bless everyone behind this programme.”
Several other beneficiaries also praised the organizers, noting that the inclusion of eye care, dental services and Hepatitis B screening made this year’s outreach more comprehensive than previous editions. They called for the initiative to be sustained and expanded in future festivals to reach even more members of the community.
The medical outreach formed one of the flagship humanitarian activities commemorating the 175th Kayokayo Festival, reflecting the festival’s enduring vision of combining cultural celebration with community service, social responsibility, and improved public health for the people of Epe.
