Governor Ahmed Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting girl-child education as he joined the grand finale of the 2026 Owiya Osese Festival in Magongo, Ogori-Magongo.
Represented at the event, the governor described the Owiya Osese Festival as a symbol of identity, unity, and continuity for the people, commending the Magongo Development Association for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the community.
He noted that the annual festival has grown into a unifying platform attracting indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, while preserving traditions for future generations.
Ododo expressed delight at the vibrant display of culture, music, and dance at the event, stating that such gatherings reaffirm the strength and resilience of local traditions.
Highlighting a unique aspect of the festival, the governor praised the community’s strong emphasis on the girl child, describing it as a model for national development.
He revealed that Magongo currently has more girls in school than boys, a feat he described as commendable and worthy of emulation.
“The empowerment and education of the girl child remain central to sustainable development. When a girl is educated and empowered, the entire society benefits,” he said.
The governor also referenced the state government’s intervention through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, under which about ₦40,000 was disbursed to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes to address financial and socio-cultural barriers to education.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that promote education, healthcare, and opportunities for young people, particularly girls.
Ododo further commended sons and daughters of Magongo at home and abroad for their contributions to community development, describing their unity and dedication as inspiring.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of Magongo Development Association, Prince Akpata Alaba Jordan, explained that Owiya Osese is a traditional rite that marks the stage of legal maturity for marriage, designed to encourage young girls to remain chaste, disciplined, and morally upright.
He thanked the state government for reinstating the Olu Magongo of Magongo, His Royal Highness, Obin Sam Bola Ojo, saying that has rekindled their love and support for the current administration, while appealing for the rehabilitation of their roads.
In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area, Hon. Rosemary Ohiezu, congratulated the maidens of their transition into womanhood. Advising the ladies to treat others with kindness, pursue education excellence and prioritize self reflection in other to aim a successful marriage.
Also speaking, a community leader, Engr. Joakim Daudu, urged the Kogi State Government to develop the Owiya Osese Festival into a major tourist attraction capable of generating revenue for the local government, the state, and the country. He also called for equitable distribution of development projects across the area.
The festival featured traditional rites, cultural displays, and communal celebrations, attracting visitors from within and outside Kogi State, further reinforcing its status as a significant cultural event in Nigeria.
