A total of 103 virgins in Ogori community in Ogori-Magongo local government area of Kogi State have been initiated into womanhood during the 2025 Ovia Osese festival at the weekend.
The festival which took place on Saturday, May 4, 2025, is an annual festival celebrated by the people of Ogori to showcase discipline and how the girls are reserved before marriage.
The National President of Ogori Descendent Union (ODU), Dr. Aiso Gabriel Osiwomequin described the Ovia Osese as more than a cultural festival but a symbol of transition and hope of the 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,” he said.
Osiwomequin commended the sons and daughters of Ogori at home and in the diaspora, by birth or by association who have contributed to the growth and development of the community in different ways.
“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.
He further appreciated the elders who have passed down wisdom and values, the leaders who have championed progress, the youth who carry the future with passion and pride, the women whose strength and resilience fortify every home, and every friend and partner who has stood with the community.
Also speaking, the Chairman, ODU Education and Culture Committee, Comr. 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,” Oloruntoba said.
