The spirit of faith, culture, and tradition took centre stage as the Epe Kayokayo Festival 2026 Qur’anic and Quiz Competition celebrated the enduring Islamic heritage of the ancient town, with Oke-Balogun Ward emerging as the overall winner.
Epe Insights reports that the annual competition formed one of the major highlights of the Epe Kayokayo Festival 2026, bringing together contestants from the six political wards to showcase excellence in Qur’anic recitation and Islamic knowledge.
The event commemorated the enduring legacy of King Kosoko, whose historic role in the propagation of Islam in Epe over 175 years ago continues to shape the town’s religious and cultural identity.
Widely regarded as the Cradle of Islam in Lagos State, Epe once again demonstrated its deep-rooted commitment to preserving Islamic values through education, spirituality, and community participation.
Contestants displayed remarkable confidence and exceptional knowledge during the competition. Their performances reflected months of preparation and a strong understanding of the Qur’an and Islamic teachings.
The Qur’anic recitation segment attracted admiration from religious scholars, judges, and spectators. Participants impressed the audience with their fluency, pronunciation, and mastery of the sacred verses.
The Islamic quiz competition also tested contestants on various aspects of Islamic history, jurisprudence, moral values, and religious practices. The exercise encouraged learning while promoting healthy competition among the wards.
After a keenly contested event, Oke-Balogun Ward secured the highest overall score to emerge champions. The announcement sparked jubilation among supporters, family members, and community leaders who gathered to celebrate the achievement.
Representatives from the remaining five wards were also commended for their outstanding performances and commitment to promoting Islamic education. Organisers praised all participants for demonstrating discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Despite heavy rainfall during the programme, residents and guests remained at the venue, reflecting the significance of the Kayokayo Festival and the importance attached to the Qur’anic competition within the community.
The event featured prayers for peace, progress, and continued unity in Epe. Religious leaders offered supplications for the prosperity of the town and encouraged residents to uphold the values of honesty, compassion, and service.
Traditional leaders also used the occasion to emphasise the need to preserve Epe’s unique cultural heritage. They described the Kayokayo Festival as an important platform for passing historical values from one generation to another.
Speakers highlighted the festival’s role in promoting religious harmony, cultural identity, and community development. They noted that the annual celebration continues to attract interest from residents, visitors, and descendants of Epe across Nigeria and beyond.
The Kayokayo Festival remains one of the most important cultural and religious events in Epe. It commemorates the historic arrival of King Kosoko and his followers, an event that significantly influenced the spread of Islam in the ancient kingdom.
Beyond the celebrations, the festival also serves as a platform for educating young people about the history of Epe and the importance of preserving its traditions. Activities such as the Qur’anic and Quiz Competition help nurture future generations grounded in faith and moral values.
Community leaders applauded parents, teachers, Islamic scholars, and organisers for investing time and resources in preparing the contestants. They noted that the success of the competition reflects the community’s commitment to religious education and youth development.
Residents described the competition as a fitting tribute to Epe’s identity as the Cradle of Islam. Many expressed hope that future editions would continue to inspire excellence, strengthen unity, and preserve the town’s rich cultural heritage.
As celebrations continue, the victory of Oke-Balogun Ward stands as a memorable highlight of the Epe Kayokayo Festival 2026. The competition once again demonstrated that faith, knowledge, and cultural pride remain central to the identity and enduring legacy of the Epe community.
