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Indigenes of Epe Kingdom have called for conscious efforts at promoting and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The indigenes, who spoke at the grand finale of Kayokayo Festival in Epe, recently, canvassed the need to preserve the country’s heritage to prevent them from going into extinction.
Specifically, Olu Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, said keeping the artefacts and traditions of a community intact against factors trying to change them or wear them away would boost the economy of the country.
The Coordinator, Kayokayo Organising Committee, Gbenga Abass, described the festival as a veritable platform for the celebration of the history, heritage and greatness of Epe.
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He stated that culture is an important factor of the community and key to its development.
Nollywood actor and a descendant of the Kosoko family, Prince Jide Kosoko, lamented the influence of western culture, saying this has polluted the Nigerian culture adversely.
The Oloja of Lagos, Abiola Kosoko, said Kayokayo Festival is a tradition that is used to enhance the grand entering of King Kosoko into Epe land from Lagos.
“Kayokayo festival is the only festival that unifies the whole of Epe and the festival that reminds them about their ancestors, most especially King Kosoko, who was the 10th king in Lagos State.
The Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District , Tokunbo Abiru, said the growth and development experienced in Epe has been a result of decades of peaceful coexistence among the people.
He said the path of unity and peace chosen by the two sides of the land occupied by the Ekos and the Ijebus, to live harmoniously for over 171 years is worthy of celebration.
“This has opened doors for the economic and political emancipation of sons and daughters of the town. “
They have made tremendous contributions with landmark achievements and ground-breaking successes in the scheme of things in Lagos and Nigeria.”
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