Stakeholders Call For Moderation As Epe Festival, Kayo Kayo Begins 4th Sept.

Despite the virulent COVID-19 pandemic, the ancient town of Epe will go ahead with its cultural festival known as kayo kayo.

This year’s edition of the festival will be held on the 4th and 5th of September.

The announcement was contained in a statement by the festival committee.

However, instead of the customary week-long activities that the festival is known for, this year’s edition will only be held for two days. The change in this year’s arrangement is informed by the need to abide by the COVID-19 protocols.

The festival usually comes up 30 days after the Muslim Eid-el Mubarak celebration.

The festival, which has been celebrated since 1851, will begin at the royal palace, Olu- Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Adewale.

Part of this year’s activities include, Annual Jumat Prayer without procession at Epe central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, Epe.

Saturday 5th September 2020 Annual Community Prayer at the Olu-Epe of Epe’s Palace, Isale-Agoro, Epe.

Visit to Marina for Al-Kaothar bath in rotation of not more than 10 persons per group.

Also Read: Jubilation As Epe Kayo Kayo Kicks Off In Lagos

The organisers of the festival hope to build on the success that was recorded last year, which featured prominent members of the society like Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Former Minister for Defense while the Chairperson of the event is the wife of the Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and year.

The Olu-Epe Implored both the federal and the state governments to pay more attention to the cultural event.

Olu Epe, of Epe Kingdom, stated that he is interested in making the town a tourism centre.

When asked about measures put in place to ensure that the next generations embrace the Kayo Kayo festival, he said the youths are also fully involved in the event.

According to him, there are various rooms given them to learn and participate in the festival.

On his part, the coordinator of the Festival Committee, Alhaji Saliu Okulu, said kayo kayo festival is not just a celebration of cultural heritage but also an avenue to harness the social and economic prospect of Epe and also to foster unity among its people.

While thanking last year sponsors like MTN, Binatone, Intercontinental Distillers and Lagos State Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji said the festival provided a great investment and trading opportunity to leverage from.