Culture is defined as a total way of life of a people and it is always cherished for what it is. For the people of Ogori community in Kogi state, they are proud of their cultural heritage that has attracted the recognition of the global body, UNESCO. That is why for them, they initiate their young maidens formally into womanhood before they go into marriage. From a culture that has produced wives of prominent members of the society, the festival of maidens into womanhood is like an open invitation for would-be wife seekers not to look too far but enter Ogori land if chastity is what they are looking for. OYIBO SALIHU takes the readers through the 2025 ceremony in Ogori land.

Ogori town is located in Ogori-Magongo local government area of Kogi state. The community is today on a global tourism map as a result of Ovia Osese Cultural Festival which is being cerebrated annually to initiate young girls from 15 years of age and above into womanhood before they marry.

Ogori people?s culture is rich in value and heritage as they usually hold this festival which normally takes place two weeks after Easter cerebration. Therefore Ogorians, as they are popularly referred to by other people, celebrate the festival in high esteem, usually in a week-long chain of activities full of various festivities.

Interestingly, in the entire state, Ovia Osese is the only festival that is registered nationally and recognised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Details of the festival rites

Essentially, Ovia Osese festival is organised basically for the initiation of young girls or maidens into womanhood which symbolises chastity, virginity and purity in conformity with the laws and social norms of Ogori land.

This initiation, according to elders of the land, is to promote chastity and sexual purity in the community and as such only teenage girls who are virgins are allowed to take part in the festival.

During the festival, the young girls are camped and taught by an elder woman by the title, the Iyodina who would instruct them about the morals of womanhood, marital, societal and cultural values that would enable them live a peaceful life in the society.

In addition, after training and certification, they are dressed in colourful aso-oke attire strapped to their chests with colourful beads adorning their heads and neck. After then, the Iyodina would lead them to the community square (now civic centre) for public recognition.

At the civic centre, they perform a special dance called ?oke? accompanied by chants to mourn their last time as girls, as they transit into full womanhood and ready for marriage.

Other benefits of the festival

Elder Emmanuel Boro, a retired civil servant who is also an indigene of Ogori town told Blueprint that on a yearly basis, Ogori people use the cultural festival to evaluate how far they have been able, as a community, to resolve varying challenges impinging on the development of the community.

According to him, ?Aside being used to unveil young maidens into womanhood, the festival is also used to creat an atmosphere of serenity for the people to discuss issues of development such as electricity, education, moral values, health, family unity, societal vices, insecurity, among others.?

Apparently, Ovia Osese festival is therefore a critical tool which the Ogori people have used over the years and still using as a channel to achieve development for the land.

More about the festival

The 2025 edition of the festival with the theme ?A Heritage Woven Through Time? can best be described as unique as young and beautiful maidens totalling one hundred and twelve (112) in Ogori community were initiated into womanhood during the just-concluded festival.

Speaking during the event, the national president, Ogori Descendant Union (ODU) Dr. Gabriel Aiso said, ?Ovia Osese is more than a cultural festival; it is a symbol of transition, of hope and of shared community bond. It reminds us that no matter where life takes us, the roots of Ogori run deep in our veins and hearts. It reminds us that our greatest strength lies in our togetherness?

Dr. Aiso who called on sons and daughters of Ogori community to continue working together across clans, homes and generations with one vision and one heart for the betterment of the community, described division as a luxury the community cannot afford, stressing that discord is a danger the people of Ogori must reject for the development of the community.

He said, ?Let us hold firm to the spirit of Ovia Osese ? a spirit of transition, of rebirth, and of unity. As we dance, sing and celebrate today, let us also commit each one of us to building an Ogori that is peaceful, prosperous and proud.

?Together, there is no dream too big, no challenge too strong. Together, the future belongs to us.?

While commending the state government for the renovation of Ogori General Hospital, Dr. Aiso appealed to the government for the reconstruction of the Ogori-Ageva road that connects the community faster to Okene, the headquarters of Kogi-Central Senatorial District which he said has become treacherous owing to years of its dilapidated nature.

He thanked every Ogorians at home and in the diaspora either by birth or by association who have contributed either big or small to the growth and development of the land.

Economic benefits of the festival

Reeling out the economic impact of Ovia Osese Festival, the national president of ODU said that the festival has been playing a pivotal role in driving economic development in Ogori land, noting that it provides a platform for various sectors to flourish in the community.

?The festival not only boosts local commerce but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the community. Local businesses, including artisans, food vendors and service providers, experience significant increase in sales and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the region.

?This surge in economic activities highlights the strategic importance of cultural festivals in enhancing local economies and fostering entrepreneurship especially as one of the most tangible economic benefits of the festival is the creation of job opportunities.

?The festival creates temporary employment for event organisers, security personnel and hospitality staff, providing essential income for local residents who rely on seasonal work to support their families.?

Speaking further, he stated that the festival promotes skills development among participants by enhancing their employability in the long run. He emphasized that the ripple effect of the employment extends beyond the festival as newly- acquired skills can lead to improved job prospects within the community.

?The festival acts as a magnet for tourism, attracting visitors from neighbouring regions and beyond. This influx of tourists generates demand for accommodations, transportation and local attractions, thereby stimulating the economy.

?Hotels, guest houses and restaurants experience business boom, increased occupancy and patronage, thereby fostering long-term business relationships and repeat visits. ? As a matter of fact, the visibility gained during the festival positions Ogori land as a cultural tourism destination, potentially attracting investment in infrastructure and services that benefit the community year-round.

?The Ovia Osese Festival serves as a platform for local artisans and craftspeople to showcase their talents and products. Through the setup of stalls and booths, these artisans have the opportunity to directly engage with consumers, promoting their works and preserving traditional crafts while also generating income. This aspect of the festival not only supports individual artisans but also plays a crucial role in sustaining cultural practices.?

Indigenes laud culture

The chairman of this year?s occasion, Mr. Eddy Lawani lauded the union in maintaining and nurturing the ancient cultural festival that has gained recognition worldwide as he appealed to the state government to look into the challenges affecting the community especially in the area of roads and other infrastructural needs of the community.

Fielding questions from journalists during the occasion, Major General Erema Akerejola, the Chief of Logistics, Nigerian Army Headquarters charged indigenes of Ogori community to support communal efforts towards the development of the land.

Major General Akerejola, who said government alone cannot provide all the needs of any community, called on individuals to support communal efforts geared towards providing basic social amenities for the community.

The Ogori-born military officer has in more ways than one done so many things to impact the lives of those who come across his path nationally and especially people from his community all in the spirit of the festival.

Speaking on his motivation for constructing and asphalting a 1.6 kilometres road that leads to the Community Comprehensive High School in Ogori carried out by the Nigerian Army, the military officer said, ?First and foremost, the road leading to Comprehensive High School in Ogori, whenever it rains, students find it difficult to move freely to the school and I thought it wise that something should be done to ameliorate the suffering of the students.

?If you stand by the road leading to the school, you will see students holding their shoes walking bare-footed because they want to preserve their shoes and when they reach the market area, they would wash their legs and put on their shoes.

?Seeing this scenario, I felt it is better to rehabilitate the road in order to help the students who are the future leaders of the community and indeed Kogi state and Nigeria at large.

?It is a fact that government alone cannot provide all the needs of any community and in view of this, communal and individual efforts have to come in. For me, the motivation is geared towards helping people especially the downtrodden to enable them have access to better life and make things easier for them in my own little way,? he said

Major General Akerejola, whose daughter Isovie Akerejola was among the young girls initiated into womanhood during the 2025 Ovia-Osese festival, said it is always a pride for any family whose child is preserved to participate in the initiation ceremony, saying he was highly elated to be part of the 2025 edition of the festival.

Royal father?s insight

Throwing more light on Ovia Osese festival, the Ubuoro-Ajagajigi of Ogori, His Royal Highness, Chief (Professor) Eminefo Olugbemiro Akerejola said the festival is as old as Ogori community.

According to the royal father, in the olden days, the festival was being referred to as festival of virgins as the people cherished their culture. They also cherished their womanhood and desired to see their girls go into womanhood to maintain the integrity of the land.

?One of the cultures that have been preserved in Ogori over time is Ovia Osese which we all cherish. There is no diabolism in the cultural festival. The aim and objectives is to ensure that the girl child is well preserved.

?In the ancient time, the young ladies (I mean the maidens) were taken to an equivalence of a training room for three months and after the Ovia Osese, they would be ready for marriage. It is a prestige culture that needs to be encouraged in every tradition in Nigeria because nobody wants their daughter to become a wayward before going to her husband.

?During the period of Ovia Osese, the maidens are tutored on how to maintain the house, their children and how to take care of their family and household. This paves room for the matrimonial comfort and rest of mind every parent desires for their daughters.?

Festival as a social cohesion

Speaking on the significance of the festival in Ogori land, the permanent secretary in Kogi State Ministry of Information, Mr. Adurodija Ebenezer who is also the current national general secretary of ODU stated that the festival goes far beyond mere celebration, noting that it serves as a vital catalyst for community cohesion and cultural preservation.

?Rooted in the rich heritage and traditions of the Ogori people, this festival brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to foster a sense of belonging and unity among community members. This collective identity is crucial for maintaining the social fabric of Ogori land, reinforcing the values and customs that define the community?s unique character.

?Moreover, the festival plays a pivotal role in the economic development of Ogori land. By attracting visitors from neighbouring regions and beyond, it creates opportunities for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products and services.

?The influx of tourists stimulates the local economy, provides a platform for entrepreneurship and job creation. Vendors selling traditional crafts, food and beverages not only generate income but also promote the cultural heritage of Ogori people.

?This economic impact is essential for the sustainability of the community as it encourages the preservation of traditional practices while embracing modern economic opportunities,? he stated.

Motherly advice to young inductees

Advising the maidens, the Iyodina Eyisinayo the forth (IV), Oluwatoyin O Iyela, described Ovia Osese Festival as a tradition which has been preserved over the years by mothers and their mothers before them.

She said, ?I am proud to walk this journey with you as lyodina and as a custodian of this great tradition. As you may have realised by now, womanhood comes with great responsibilities; one of being a nurturer, a lover, a care giver as well as being a teacher.

?Beyond all of these, you must still strive for growth in every aspect of your life. You must never forget to develop yourself beyond where you are today. Do not place limitations on what you can be and what you can do. This stage of your life is a stepping stone to greater things.

?Remember that the women before us walked so that we may run. Our mothers of old and through the generations have stood where you now stand; they have weathered the storms and gone on to do their best for the good of their families, their society and all and sundry. Now, it is time for you to step into the shoes left behind for you.

?Another thing to keep in mind is that your fellow Ivia you see today are a significant part of your life as you make your journey through the different stages of womanhood. You are all bound by this initiation into age grades/groups. This is part of the beauty of this ceremony. You can network, make friends and be there for each other when the need arises and as you begin your journey as a woman.?

Major highlights of 2025 festival

The highlight of the 2025 Ovia Osese Festival was a honour bestowed on eight eminent personalities who have in one way or the other contributed to the development of the land. Among those honoured was the Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was conferred with a traditional title of Ok?Ubane by the Ogori Traditional Council.

Other are the wife of one-time governor of Edo state, Mrs. Usie Osunbor and the wife of former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Josephine Ayu, both illustrious daughters of Ogori community.

Others include Chief James Abiodun Faleke, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Justice M F Anenih, Mrs. Owolabi, Barrister Festus Fuanter, Hon. Nentawe Yiltwada and Mrs. Felicia Igoche. (Blueprint)

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