In a remarkable display of religious devotion and cultural celebration, the annual Epe Kayokayo Festival took center stage today at the renowned 1st Epe Central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, Epe. This significant event, held in commemoration of the arrival of King Kosoko of Lagos to the town in 1851, has sights set on becoming a global tourism attraction, fostering socio-economic advancement, cultural heritage preservation, and propagating the Islamic religion.
The Day 1 of the festival witnessed a diverse array of activities that captivated attendees and showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Epe Division. The proceedings kicked off at 12:30 pm with the opening prayer delivered by the esteemed Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Imam Abdulrahman Abiola Sadala.
The day’s events encompassed a series of Quranic recitations, a quiz competition, Islamic lectures, and prayers. Young and talented reciters, Alpha Onashokun, and Alpha Anasyri, mesmerized the audience with their flawless renditions of Quranic verses.
Graced by the presence of distinguished guests, dignitaries, and well-wishers, the festival also witnessed generous pledges and donations from Oloja-Elect of Lagos, HRH Abiola Kosoko, Alhaja Risikat Sherik, Alhaja Barakatu Ogunnorin, and High Chief Tajudeen, among others.
Graced by the presence of distinguished guests, dignitaries, and well-wishers, the festival also witnessed generous pledges and donations from HRM Abiola Kosoko, Alhaja Risikat Sherik, Alhaja Barakatu Ogunnorin, and High Chief Tajudeen Ajiborisha, among others.
Graced by the presence of distinguished guests, dignitaries, and well-wishers, the festival also witnessed generous pledges and donations from HRM Abiola Kosoko, Alhaja Risikat Sherik, Alhaja Barakatu Ogunnorin, and High Chief Tajudeen, among others. Chairman Alhaji Kamorudeen Abdulahi praised the children’s efforts and rewarded them with a generous sum of #220,000, encouraging them to continue their endeavors.
Kakalistiq.com reports that the Quran recitation competition for the junior category featured six contestants, representing different areas within the Epe kingdom. The judges, including prominent figures like the chief judge, Imam Zakariyah Sulaiman, Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Epe branch; Dr. Abdulkareen Onokoya, Department of political science, LASUED, Epe campus; Imam Monsur Kolawo, from Ibadan; and Imam Abdulsalam Ilaludeen Shuaib, from Mojoda, Epe observed as the young participants showcased their remarkable memorization skills.
For the senior category Quran recitation competition, six contestants exhibited their mastery of the Quranic text. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, the winners, Oke-Iposu/Lagbade, Oke-Balogun, and Isale-Agoro, received accolades and cash prizes.
The intellectual stimulation continued with an engaging quiz competition, divided into junior and senior categories. Questions on Hadith, the Quran, current affairs, and Arabic challenged the participants’ knowledge, with Oke-Iposu/Lagbade and Popo-Oba/Oke-Oba emerging as victorious in their respective categories.
The festival’s spiritual essence remained at the forefront as Sheikh Imam Abubakr Ojibara Bulubulu-li-Quadriyat delivered a thought-provoking Islamic lecture on forgiveness, good deeds, and peaceful coexistence, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The Epe Kayokayo Festival, with its blend of religious fervor, cultural heritage, and community spirit, has once again proved to be a compelling force in the preservation of tradition and the promotion of unity in the Epe kingdom. As the event gains global recognition, it remains a beacon of hope for socioeconomic growth and religious dissemination in the region.
