A total of 103 young girls from the Ogori community in Kogi State were ceremoniously initiated into womanhood during this year’s Ovia Osese Festival, held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area.
Celebrated annually, the Ovia Osese Festival honors the cultural values of chastity, discipline, and moral upbringing among young women as they prepare for adulthood and future marriage. The event is a cornerstone of the Ogori community’s heritage, drawing participation and support from locals and diaspora members alike.
Speaking at the festival, Dr. Aiso Gabriel Osiwomequin, National President of the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), emphasized the deeper significance of the tradition. “Ovia Osese is more than a cultural celebration—it’s a rite of passage, a symbol of community, and a reflection of our shared values,” he said.
He praised all contributors to the development of Ogori: “From roads and schools to hospitals and youth empowerment, every effort counts. To our elders, leaders, women, and youth, thank you for preserving our legacy and building our future.”
Also addressing the gathering, Comrade Alao Michael Oloruntoba, Chairman of ODU’s Education and Culture Committee, highlighted the role of mothers in upholding cultural values: “It is no small task to guide daughters—especially in this modern age—to live morally upright lives in preparation for marriage. I salute all the mothers for their dedication.”
Among the families honored at the ceremony were those of prominent Nigerians, including Maj. Gen. Erema Akeredola, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede (pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Open University), and Professor Olugbemiro Akeredola.
The festival continues to serve as a celebration of heritage and a powerful reminder of the community’s emphasis on character, tradition, and unity.
