Owiya Osese Festival Showcases Magongo Heritage — Ododo

Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has said the Owiya Osese Cultural Festival of the Magongo people in Ogori-Magongo local government area reflects the traditions, values and resilience of the community.

Speaking at the 2026 edition of the festival, the governor noted that the annual event serves as a vital reminder of the need to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

Represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo Salifu, Ododo described the festival as a powerful symbol of identity, unity, and cultural continuity. He commended the Magongo Development Association (MDA) for sustaining what he called a “remarkable cultural heritage.”

He also praised the community’s strong commitment to girl-child empowerment, describing it as a model worthy of emulation across the state and the country.

“The people of Magongo have demonstrated that when the girl child is educated, respected, and empowered, the entire community prospers,” he said, adding that it is encouraging to note that the community now records higher school enrollment for girls than boys.

The Owiya Osese Festival is traditionally held two weeks after the Ovia Osese Festival of the Ogori community, both within Ogori-Magongo LGA, and marks the rite of passage of young girls into womanhood.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, and opportunities for young people, particularly girls, whom he described as “the future of society.”

He further commended the unity and commitment of Magongo indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, urging the youth to remain peaceful and channel their energy into productive ventures that promote community development.

In her remarks, the chairperson of Ogori-Magongo local government area, Rosemary Ohiezu, lauded the community for preserving its cultural identity. She urged the newly initiated girls to uphold the moral values instilled in them and serve as worthy ambassadors of the community.

Earlier, the national president of the Magongo Development Association, Akpata Alaba Jordan, described the festival as a symbol of the people’s shared history and values. He said the event goes beyond celebration, serving as a platform for cultural preservation, unity, and economic growth.

Akpata expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for his support and also commended the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her contributions, which he said have enhanced the festival’s national and global relevance.

He highlighted the festival’s economic potential, noting that it attracts visitors, promotes tourism, and stimulates local commerce, while also fostering intergenerational interaction and cultural education.

Also speaking, a community leader, Engr. Joakim Daudu, called on the Kogi State Government to develop the festival into a major tourist attraction capable of generating revenue for the local government, the state, and the country.

He also advocated equitable distribution of development projects across the area.

The festival featured traditional rites, cultural displays, and communal celebrations, drawing participants from within and outside Kogi State, further underscoring its significance as a major cultural event in Nigeria.