Kogiflame
A total of 103 virgin girls in Ogori community have been initiated into womanhood in this year Ovia Osese festival in Ogori-Mangogo local government area of Kogi state.
The festival which took place on Saturday is an annual festival celebrated by the people of Ogori community which showcase how discipline and reserved their girls were before getting married.
One other significant innovation in the Ovia Osese Festival has been the incorporation of digital marketing strategies. In an era where social media dominates communication, the festival utilized various online platforms to promote its events, engage with a wider audience, and attract tourists.
This digital outreach has enabled the festival to reach individuals beyond Ogoriland, showcasing the culture and traditions of the community to a global audience.
Furthermore, it has encouraged younger generations to participate actively in promoting their heritage, thus bridging the gap between traditional customs and contemporary practices.
The National President of Ogori Descendent Union (ODU), Dr. Aiso Gabriel Osiwomequin in his speech said Ovia Osese is more than a cultural festival; it is a symbol of transition, of hope, of community. It reminds us that no matter where life takes us, the roots of Ogori run deep in our hearts. It reminds us that our greatest strength lies in our togetherness.
His words, “In this spirit of unity, I stand before you with profound gratitude. I salute every son and daughter of Ogori at home and in the diaspora either by birth or by association who has contributed, in big and small ways, to the growth and development of our land.
“Whether by construction of road, building of classrooms in CCHSO, supporting the hospital, starting up a cooperative, nurturing of our youth, preservation of our culture, and promotion of peace, your efforts have made Ogori a proud and thriving community.
“To our elders who have passed down wisdom and values, To our leaders who have championed progress, To our youth who carry the future with passion and pride, To our women whose strength and resilience fortify every home, And to every friend and partner who has stood with us.
Also speaking, the Chairman, ODU, Education and Culture Committee, Comr. Alao Micheal Oloruntoba said the festival is a celebration of womanhood, defined by cultural norms of the Ogori Community.
“I salute all the mothers here because it is not a mean task policing daughters, especially the new era daughters, to live a responsible morally clean life in readiness for marriage life.
Among the family whose virgin daughter were initiated includes Isovie Akeredola the daughter of Maj. Gen. Erema Akeredola, Omolola Blessing Osheidu the daughter of Professor Olugbemiro Akeredola and also Tosiron Jegede and five other daughters of Professor Olugbemiro Jegede the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Open University.
