By Omolabake Fasogbon.
The organisers of the Epe Kayokayo festival in Lagos has said that this year’s festival will explore business opportunity with potential tourists to improve the local fish market .
It noted that this was important to reverse the trend of fish importation, which has further drained the country foreign exchange reserve.
According to report, Nigeria spends over N125 billion ($625 million) annually on fish importation.
The organisers expressed belief that expanding fish production locally will create massive employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, while also boosting foreign exchange.
Speaking at a Press Conference to declare the the four-day event open, Traditional Ruler of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Adewale, explained that the purpose of the festival was to commemorate major events that shaped the Epe community including the arrival of King Kosoko to Eko-Epe in 1851 and the new Islamic calendar year.
He added also that the event would serve as a platform to promote the local economy, address some of the socio-economic challenges of the community and propagate Epe’s rich cultural heritage.
Adewale urged both the state and federal governments to leverage the tourism profile and prospects of the community to develop the national economy.
Also speaking, General Coordinator, Kayokayo organizing committee, Otunba TJ Abass, said in view of the resurgence of COVID-19 , this year’s festival will be observed on a low key and under strict adherence to Covid-19 preventive protocols.
According to him, Kayokayo means that, “Branch and be fed”.
“It was all about food, eat and prayers. The festival started in 1851 during the emergent of King kosoko and his followers into Epe community. Since then, Epe community members had been celebrating the festival annually till date and will continue to celebrate it till that kingdom come, “he said.
