Exploring Cultural Traditions: How the Ogori Ceremony Celebrates Womanhood

This year's Ovia Osese Festival, which took place in Kogi State's Ogori-Mangogo Local Government area, saw the initiation of 103 Ogori virgin girls into womanhood.

The Ogori village celebrates the event every year, and it happened on Saturday. It displays the girls' self-control and restrained demeanor prior to marriage.

The use of digital marketing techniques at this year's Ovia Osese Festival was a noteworthy novelty. The festival used a variety of internet tools to advertise its activities, interact with a larger audience, and draw tourists in an era where social media rules communication.

The event has been able to reach people outside of Ogoriland because to this digital outreach, presenting the community's customs and culture to a worldwide audience.

Additionally, by encouraging younger generations to actively promote their history, it has helped to close the gap between old rituals and modern behaviors.

In his remarks, Dr. Aiso Gabriel Osiwomequin, National President of the Ogori Descendent Union (ODU), stated that Ovia Osese is more than just a traditional celebration; it is a representation of community, hope, and transition. It serves as a reminder that Ogori's roots are ingrained in our hearts no matter where life leads us. It serves as a reminder that our unity is our greatest power.

"With deep appreciation, I stand before you in this spirit of unity," he said. I honor all Ogori sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, who have made significant and insignificant contributions to the advancement of our nation, whether by birth or association.

"Your efforts have created Ogori a proud and prosperous community, whether it is through road construction, classroom construction at CCHSO, hospital support, cooperative formation, youth development, cultural preservation, or peace promotion.

"To our leaders who have pushed for advancement, To our elders who have imparted knowledge and morals, To our young people who proudly and passionately carry the future,

To all of our friends and partners who have supported us, and to our ladies whose tenacity and fortitude strengthen every home.

Comr. Alao Micheal Oloruntoba, the Chairman of the ODU Education and Culture Committee, also spoke, stating that the festival is a celebration of women as described by Ogori cultural values.

I applaud every mother here because enforcing daughters, particularly those of the current era, to lead morally upright lives in preparation for marriage is not a cruel responsibility.

Isovie Akeredola, the daughter of Maj. Gen. Erema Akeredola, Omolola Blessing Osheidu, the daughter of Professor Olugbemiro Akeredola, Tosiron Jegede, and five other daughters of Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, the first Vice Chancellor of Open University, are among the family members whose virgin daughters were initiated.