Ogori Community Celebrates 103 Virgins in Traditional Rites of Womanhood
In a vibrant display of culture and tradition, the Ogori community in Kogi State initiated 103 young girls into womanhood during the annual Ovia Osese Festival, held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area.
The festival, deeply rooted in the customs of the Ogori people, honors the purity, discipline, and moral upbringing of young girls who have reached maturity while preserving their virginity before marriage. It serves as both a rite of passage and a celebration of community values.
Dr. Aiso Gabriel Osiwomequin, National President of the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), highlighted the significance of the event in his address. “Ovia Osese is not just a cultural event—it symbolizes growth, unity, and identity. It connects us to our heritage and reminds us that our collective strength lies in our shared traditions,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to the people of Ogori at home and abroad, Dr. Osiwomequin praised community members for their contributions to local development—ranging from infrastructure projects and educational support to cultural preservation and youth empowerment. He acknowledged elders, leaders, women, and youth for their respective roles in shaping a strong, unified community.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Comrade Alao Micheal Oloruntoba, Chairman of the ODU’s Education and Culture Committee, emphasized the cultural significance of the occasion. “This festival upholds the traditional values of the Ogori people and honors mothers who have instilled discipline in their daughters in today’s challenging social environment,” he remarked.
Among the families celebrated during the event were those of prominent figures, including Isovie Akeredola, daughter of Maj. Gen. Erema Akeredola; Omolola Blessing Osheidu, daughter of Professor Olugbemiro Akeredola; and Tosiron Jegede, along with five other daughters of Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, pioneer Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria.
The Ovia Osese Festival continues to stand as a powerful testament to the cultural pride and unity of the Ogori people, reaffirming values that have been passed down through generations.
