The former Minister of Defence (State) and Former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has described education as an antidote to poverty, while pledging scholarship to deserving students of Epe community in order to promote literacy.
Obanikoro commended the Epe Community and the committee that midwifed this year’s Epe Kayokayo cultural festival for a job well done. Adding that, the community has employed culture as a veritable platform for advancing the cause of Education.
The former Minister made this known while addressing journalists at the grand finale of the Epe KayoKayo festival at Epe area of Lagos.
The ‘Epe KayoKayo’ is a religious, social and cultural festival peculiar to Indigenous people of Epe Kingdom.
Senator Obanikoro said “Education is an antidote to poverty and an investment that has consistently and will always yield a higher return ”
According to him, any investment in knowledge paid the best interest, and the people should mot hesitate in putting money into knowledge acquisition.
Meanwhile, Obanikoro who also doubled as the chairman of festival, pledged an undisclosed amount to help reinvigorate the sector, which he described as the key to sustainable development.
He also promised continuous involvement in the Schorlaship aspect of the festival, saying it was the best way to bring out the best in the people.
The Former Minister also commended the efforts of the Political leaders of Epe Division.
He said “The presence of the political leaders of Epe Division also bears testimony to their unwavering commitment and support towards making the festival a vehicle”.
Among the individuals he singled out for commendation in preserving the cultures of the people, was the Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Adewale, whose unwavering support and encouragement had led to the transformation of Epe Kayokayo into a world class festival.
“Epe Kayo Kayo festival and any festival of such magnitude has always been a platform of reflection, a platform to connect with the past and connect with our roots. Undoubtedly, this festival has been able to achieve that goal”, he said .
Obanikoro further said “ I truly believe if properly packaged and with necessary Governmental machineries in place, Epe KayoKayo can be a veritable platform to drive the tourism potential of the State and Epe Community. The potential impact on the Internal generated revenue of the state cannot be overemphasized.”
Checkout pictures from the event below:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hORaf8rF4MjIZMYLdbAl3qA1lpThP-CO
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