By Ngam A. Jane
The 2022 Kayokayo festival, which was rounded off on Saturday, August 27th, 2022, has been described as a festival which has brought a lot of good feelings and development to the Epe Division in terms of trade and tourism.
This was further affirmed by the Chairman of the Grand Finale, Alhaji Hameed Osiefa, when answering questions from the journalists.
He said that apart from its religious activities, which it started with many years ago, it has escalated into funfairs and Fantis, which many people have embraced from all walks of life.
Some well-meaning Indigenes of Epe have commended the Lagos State government for its support and encouragement for the annual big show.
The Honourable Member representing Epe Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, congratulated the people of Epe and the state at large on the memorable annual festival.
He commended the state government for their support and contributions over the years.
While commending the organizing committee for their innovative and creative ideas, the lawmaker noted that despite the new features of the festival, it has always retained its religious essence.
In his words, “I’m happy that the essence of this festival has been retained and it has afforded all of us the opportunity to eat and dine together in unity.”
Another indigene of Epe, who is also the Executive Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulahi Sesan, stated that the Lagos state government has been part and parcel of the cultural development of Epe, adding that the influx of visitors, tourists, investors, and government officials present in the kayokayo festival has shown that Epe would be the next major tourist destination in Lagos state and Nigeria at large.
The Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe, the Executive Vice Chairman of Epe Local Government, responded to newsmen with lots of hope for the future of Kayokayo in Epe in the near future.
High Chief Rasheed Shobaloju, the Chairman of the Council of Baales in Epe, however, informed us that the festival has brought a lot of developments to the land, not limited to tourism, trade and business opportunities.
Barrister Omodele Ibrahim, the President of Epe Ogunmodede Club, called on the government to do more to support the indigenes of Epe. He called on the well-meaning sons and daughters of the community to be good ambassadors of the division at home and abroad.
He further mentioned that since this festival has the potential to grow the economy, there is a need for the state government to invest massively in the festival.
A director from the Lagos state ministry of Justice and a member of the 2022 Kayokayo festival, Mr. BayoSaliu, also praised the state government for supporting and promoting the festival and for selecting Epe Division as one of the six pilots for its community-based tourism (CBT).
He, however, noted that much needed to be done for Kayokayo to be taken to the world stage.
The Senior Legislative Aide on research and youth affairs to Rep. Wale Raji, Mr. Mark Osifeko, urged the youths of Epe Division to be dutiful and purposeful in their activities.
He implored them to maintain peace and love to allow more progressive opportunities in the division.
The Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Shaykh Abdurrahman Abiola Sadallaah, prayed for more success in the nooks and crannies of the ancient town. He urged the organisers to uphold the tenets of Islam, which the festival is known for.
The festival came to its climax with activities such as: a fanti carnival, a reception party, performances by upcoming artists, the presentation of gifts and awards, and the lighting of the symbolic ETUFU.