The historic town of Epe in Lagos State is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors as it gears up for the 2025 edition of the Kayokayo Festival, a colorful, week-long celebration that honors history, community and culture.
EpeInsights reports that the festival scheduled to run from Friday, July 18 to Saturday, July 26, promises a rich lineup of events blending spirituality, tradition and youth empowerment.
Rooted in the commemoration of the 1851 migration of King Kosoko and his followers to Epe, Kayokayo has evolved into a cherished cultural fixture.
The festival opens on July 18 with a press conference at the 1st Epe Central Mosque in Okebalogun, where this year’s theme focused on unity, youth development and cultural preservation, will be unveiled.
The day concludes with a Tahajjud session, a congregational midnight prayer, reflecting the deep Islamic heritage that underpins the festival.
Throughout the week, Epe will come alive with a dynamic mix of programs.
Highlights include Islamic lectures, Quranic quiz competitions, a community health outreach and a job fair designed to connect young people with opportunities.
Youth Day, set for Tuesday, July 22, will feature a youth march and empowerment sessions that encourage civic participation and entrepreneurship among the town’s younger generation.
Other engaging activities include a children’s party and fashion show on July 23, while July 24 will showcase the town’s culinary richness during the Kayokayo Food Festival and street feeding event at the Ogunmodede Club House.
Sports fans will not be left out, as a football novelty match between Royal Bundle and the Epe Stakeholders Forum is scheduled for Monday, July 21, at the Senator Tokunbo Abiru Stadium.
Each evening, the Etufu bonfire will be ceremoniously lit at the Marina Waterfront, providing a spiritual and visual centerpiece for the festivities.
The grand finale on Saturday, July 26, will be a day of spectacle and tradition.
It will feature a royal procession, carnival displays, and special prayers. Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding and underprivileged students in the community, and the night will close with a live performance by Fuji music legend King Sulaimon Alao Adekunle Malaika.
The Kayokayo Festival continues to be a beacon of cultural pride for Epe and a growing tourist attraction in Lagos State.
This year’s edition not only promises entertainment and tradition but also aims to uplift the community through education, youth engagement, and social support. As Epe prepares to celebrate, visitors can expect a unique and enriching cultural experience that bridges the past with the future.
