In the early hours of the day on October 1st the HKO NEW YAM FESTIVAL event started with the opening of the ABAT CBD Market activities, first contact at the Market are the vendors, merchants, traders and shoppers welcoming guests and dignitaries to the trade arena within the Market environment is the Castledown Arts Center the organizers of the EKO NEW YAM FESTIVAL, the great festival has been a center celebrating the African culture using “YAM” as a tool for national unity. Over the years, Castledown Arts Center has been championing the course of bringing Nigerians together to promote peaceful coexistence among the religions and ethnic nationalities living in Lagos celebrating the New Yam Festival annually. This year tagged Edition 14 with the Theme “Tourism a Veritable Tool for National Unity”
The 14 edition of the festival started with a grassroots football tournament in August, football academies from Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Eti-Osa featured in the tournament. The festival continues on the 27th of September (World Tourism Day) with Art Exhibition, Artist night, and a Business Expo.
The main event on the 1st of October, 2022 started with the:
Children cultural program
The under-10 charity football match.
Opening ceremony of the new yam festival
The finals of the grassroots football tournament
Official Cutting of the new yam
Awarding certificate of performance to the football teams
Presentation of the tournament trophy to the champion
Presentation of certificate of recognition to cooperating organizations
While the fun fiesta continues till night.
