Kogi Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Culture, Girl-Child Education

Kogi State government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural heritage, girl-child education and unity among its people as a pathway to sustainable development and prosperity.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made this known at the grand finale of the 2026 Ovia Osese Cultural Festival, an age-long initiation ceremony organised by the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU) to usher young girls into womanhood. The event was held at the weekend in Ogori, Ogori-Magongo local government area of the state.

Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the governor described the festival as a powerful symbol of identity, heritage and development for the Ogori people and Kogi State at large.

He noted that the Ovia Osese Festival goes beyond cultural celebration, serving as a platform for education, tourism, and economic growth while preserving the rich traditions of the people.

Ododo commended the organisers, particularly the president of ODU, Dr. Gabriel Aiso Osiwomequin, for elevating the festival’s profile over the years.

Highlighting the importance of girl-child education, the governor described Ogori as a model community with increasing enrolment of girls in schools.

He revealed that under the AGILE Project, the state government has supported 13,359 girls with financial assistance to help them stay in school.

He further described the festival as a major cultural asset and the only UNESCO-recognised cultural festival in Kogi State, assuring that the government would continue to invest in tourism infrastructure to attract both local and international visitors.

The governor also outlined his administration’s achievements in security, road construction, free primary and secondary education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and workers’ welfare.

He called on residents across ethnic and social divides to maintain peaceful coexistence, urging them not to allow politics, religion, or cultural differences to create division.

“Whether we are Ebira, Igala, Okun, Bassa, Nupe, Ogori or Kakanda, we are one people with a common destiny,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr. Gabriel Aiso Osiwomequin urged the people to remain connected to their cultural roots, describing the Ovia Osese Festival as one of the most treasured institutions of the Ogori community.

Speaking on the theme, “Living the Legacy: A Rich Celebration of Tradition and Identity,” he said the festival reflects the enduring values, history, and identity of the people.

He warned that any society that loses touch with its heritage risks losing its essence, quoting an African proverb: “A river that forgets its source will soon run dry.”

Osiwomequin emphasised the need to preserve traditions, tell indigenous stories, and define cultural identity, noting that the festival provides a platform for celebrating the community’s heritage.

He described Ogori as a community rooted in discipline, respect for tradition, communal responsibility, and a strong commitment to progress, values he said are vital for guiding future generations.

Despite its relatively small population, he noted that Ogori has produced distinguished individuals who have excelled in the military, public service, governance, and leadership at both national and international levels.

He also highlighted the community’s strong academic reputation, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most intellectually distinguished, with a high number of professors and scholars.

According to him, these achievements underscore the importance of sustaining a culture of education, excellence, and hard work.

Osiwomequin urged the younger generation to embrace their heritage and uphold the values handed down by their forebears, stressing that the future of the community depends on preserving its identity while pursuing progress.

The entry of the Iyodina Esinayo, Mrs.Oluwatoyin Aiyegbusi Iyela, custodian of the Ovia Osese Festival, signalled the commencement of the initiation rites.

The festival concluded with colourful age-grade celebrations, as dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests joined the people of Ogori in showcasing their rich cultural heritage.