The Epe Youth Forum added youthful energy to the 175th Epe Kayokayo Festival with a colourful peace rally that celebrated culture, creativity, and the enduring heritage of the ancient town.
Epe Insights reports that the rally followed a thought-provoking webinar themed “Projecting Epe Kayokayo to the World: Heritage Meets Youth Creativity, Innovation and Culture,” organised by the Epe Youth Forum under the leadership of Comrade Giwa Murtala Moore.
The initiative highlighted the important role of young people in preserving Epe’s cultural identity while embracing innovation and modern opportunities.
The webinar brought together participants to discuss practical ways of promoting the Kayokayo Festival beyond local boundaries through youth participation, creativity, technology, and cultural advocacy.
Speakers encouraged young people to become active ambassadors of Epe’s heritage by using digital platforms, innovation, and creative storytelling to showcase the town’s unique history.
Following the webinar, the celebration moved to the streets as hundreds of youths participated in a peaceful rally across major parts of Epe.
The colourful procession attracted widespread attention as participants appeared in coordinated aso-ebi attire, reflecting unity and pride in their cultural identity.
Music, cultural displays, and energetic performances transformed the rally into a lively celebration of Epe’s enduring traditions.
Home-grown Fuji artistes thrilled participants with captivating performances that celebrated the community’s cultural richness.
Band sets added rhythm and excitement to the procession, while DJs entertained participants with a blend of contemporary and traditional sounds.
Hypemen kept the atmosphere vibrant by engaging participants and encouraging active involvement throughout the rally.
Residents lined the streets to witness the colourful display, applauding the enthusiasm and discipline demonstrated by the young participants.
Community leaders described the rally as a positive example of how young people can contribute meaningfully to preserving cultural heritage.
They noted that the peaceful nature of the event reflected the values of unity, mutual respect, and community pride that define the Kayokayo Festival.
Organisers explained that the youth rally was designed not only to celebrate the festival but also to inspire greater youth participation in cultural preservation.
They emphasised that the future of Epe’s heritage depends largely on the willingness of younger generations to embrace and sustain its traditions.
According to the organisers, culture remains a powerful tool for promoting tourism, economic growth, and community development.
The Epe Youth Forum reiterated its commitment to initiatives that combine heritage with innovation, education, and youth empowerment.
Participants described the experience as both entertaining and educational, saying it strengthened their appreciation for the history and identity of Epe.
Many youths pledged to continue promoting the Kayokayo Festival through creative content, community engagement, and responsible cultural advocacy.
The rally also provided opportunities for interaction among youths from different communities, strengthening friendships and encouraging collaboration.
Observers commended the organisers for creating an inclusive event that celebrated diversity while promoting shared community values.
The 175th anniversary of the Kayokayo Festival has continued to attract strong participation from residents, traditional institutions, youth organisations, and cultural groups.
The success of the youth rally demonstrated that the younger generation is ready to play a leading role in preserving and promoting Epe’s rich heritage.
Stakeholders encouraged continued investment in programmes that connect culture with education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
They stressed that such initiatives would ensure the Kayokayo Festival remains relevant and attractive to future generations.
As the week-long celebration continues, the contributions of the Epe Youth Forum stand as a reminder that preserving heritage is a shared responsibility.
The peaceful rally showcased how culture can unite people across generations while inspiring creativity, innovation, and community pride.
Through the successful combination of meaningful dialogue, colourful celebration, and active youth participation, the Epe Youth Forum demonstrated that the future of the Kayokayo Festival is bright.
The event reinforced a simple but enduring message: when young people embrace their heritage, they become the strongest guardians of their community’s history, ensuring that the rich legacy of Epe continues to flourish for generations to come.
