The community Ogori community in Ogori Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State are getting ready for the grand finale of the 2026 Ovia Osese Cultural Festival, scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
The globally acclaimed celebration of heritage, identity, and womanhood will run from April 12 to April 19, drawing sons and daughters of Ogori from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The President of the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), Dr. Gabriel Aiso, announced the programme at a press conference in Lokoja, describing this year’s edition as one deliberately packaged to meet global standards while preserving the community’s rich ancestral traditions.
With the theme “Living the Legacy: A Rich Celebration of Tradition and Identity,”he said the festival underscored the enduring cultural values of the Ogori people, especially their longstanding reverence for the girl-child.
Dr. Aiso also emphasized that Ogori stands out as a community where girls are not only protected but empowered.
“The girl-child is as important as the boy-child and is given pride of place. In fact, school enrolment of girls in Ogori surpasses that of boys.
“Our women are resilient, hardworking, courageous and goal-driven. We see them as builders of society, not just homemakers,”he said.
The Ovia Osese Festival is more than colourful pageantry; it is a cultural institution that reinforces moral values, communal unity, and pride in heritage. It also serves as a homecoming for Ogori indigenes worldwide, strengthening bonds across generations.
According to him,to ensure a befitting outing, the ODU is targeting ₦100 million, with ₦40 million earmarked for festival activities.
Organisers also plan to showcase nine identified tourist sites within the community, opening new opportunities for cultural tourism and local economic growth.
Dr. Aiso urged the Kogi State Government to invest more in the festival, noting that as the only event from the state listed on Nigeria’s National Calendar of Festivals, it has immense potential to generate revenue and global recognition.
The ODU further disclosed that tradition and modernity
festivities will commence with a spiritual Praise Night on Sunday, April 12, symbolizing gratitude and divine blessings for the community.
Activities throughout the week will combine traditional rites, sports, intellectual contests, entertainment, and social outreach programmes.
Highlights include:
Community cleaning exercises and road shows promoting unity, he added.
He listed Senior citizens’ jogging and marathon events celebrating healthy living, Quiz, debates, and language competitions preserving cultural knowledge ,Cooking contests showcasing indigenous cuisine,
Carnival processions and outreach programmes.
Others are;Medical outreach focused on girls’ health
Beauty pageant and gala night,
Traditional Eregba Night featuring cultural performances.
The grand finale on April 18 ,he also revealed is expected to be the climax a spectacular display of traditional attire, dances, rites, and ceremonial appearances by the Ovia maidens, the symbolic centre of the festival.
According to ODU,Prominent Nigerians, cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and development partners are expected to attend what organisers promise will be a colourful and memorable celebration.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, April 19, with thanksgiving services across churches in the community — a reflection of the deep spiritual roots that underpin the event.
As anticipation builds, the people of Ogori see the 2026 Ovia Osese Festival not just as an annual event but as a living legacy, a powerful affirmation that culture, when cherished and preserved, remains a guiding light for present and future generations.
