Amanze Chinonye
Every year, the serene town of Ogori in Kogi State transforms into a living canvas of colour and tradition. The air fills with the sound of talking drums and the rhythmic steps of dancers as the Ovia-Osese Festival a celebration of chastity, virtue, and womanhood unfolds.
For the Ogori-Magongo people, this is more than an annual festivity. It is a sacred journey that connects the past with the present, reminding every generation of the values that shape their identity.
This year’s edition, held from April 27 to May 4, 2025, reaffirmed why Ovia-Osese remains one of Nigeria’s most captivating cultural rites a festival that honours young girls transitioning into womanhood while preserving the community’s moral heritage.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHeritage Rooted in Purity and Dignity
In the Ogori tongue, Ovia-Osese translates roughly to “festival of maidens.” It is an initiation rite performed for girls aged 15 and above who have maintained their chastity a precondition deeply respected by the community.
The festival’s origin predates modern Nigeria. Oral historians trace it to a time when purity was seen not just as a moral code but as a pillar of community strength. Elders believed that the moral fibre of the Ogori people depended on the virtue of their women the nurturers and custodians of the home.
“Our ancestors saw purity not just as a personal virtue but as the foundation of our collective dignity,” explained Chief Afolabi Omole, an elder in Ogori. “They taught that a community that raises its women in virtue cannot lose its way.”
In neighbouring Magongo, a closely related community, the same practice is known as the Owuya-Osese Festival, a reflection of their shared cultural roots.
“In Magongo, we call it Owuya Osese,” said Elder Iyodina, smiling proudly. “It stands for the same values of purity, identity, and the sacred passage into womanhood.”
Preparing the Maidens
Weeks before the festival, the chosen maidens known as Ivia undergo a period of seclusion and mentoring. Under the watchful guidance of elderly women, called Iyohi, they are taught traditional etiquette, home management, and lessons on integrity, respect, and self-control.
“We prepare them not just for marriage, but for life,” said Mrs. Comfort Adejoh, one of the mentors. “They learn to be proud of who they are and to value their womanhood. It’s about self-worth, not just chastity.”
The maidens also learn songs, dances, and stories that celebrate the virtues of womanhood and the history of their people. For many, it is a rite that builds confidence and a sense of belonging.
Each girl’s family takes pride in her inclusion. Mothers sew colourful wrappers and beadwork, while fathers beam with pride at the honour brought upon their homes.
“It is a thing of joy and prestige,” one father said. “When your daughter walks as a maiden, the whole community celebrates with you.”
The Week of Celebration
The 2025 edition of Ovia-Osese began with a Praise Night at the Ogori Civic Centre, where local choirs and gospel singers filled the evening air with songs of thanksgiving. Over the following days, the town hosted cultural dances, cooking contests, football finals, and dialect quizzes events that drew both residents and visitors.
By the morning of May 3, excitement swept through Ogori. Streets were swept clean, drummers tuned their instruments, and stalls brimmed with handmade crafts. Visitors arrived from all over Kogi and neighbouring states to witness the festival’s climax the public procession of the maidens.
Adorned in brightly patterned wrappers, coral beads, and glittering ornaments, the young women danced gracefully through the streets, each step echoing the pride of generations. The crowd erupted in applause as the maidens paraded before elders and dignitaries, marking their transition into womanhood.
“This festival is the heartbeat of our people,” said Mr. Sunday Ododo, a community leader. “It tells our story, that purity, respect, and tradition still matter in modern times.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by officials from the state government, commended the community for preserving such an important cultural heritage.
“At a time when modern influences often erode traditional values, the Ovia-Osese Festival reminds us of who we are,” the Governor said. “It teaches our young people to be proud of their heritage.”
By evening, as drums and flutes filled the air, the maidens gathered before the chiefs to receive blessings. The scene a harmony of tradition and youthful joy captured the essence of the Ovia-Osese: continuity, identity, and community pride.
Culture, Economy, and Tourism
The Ovia-Osese Festival is no longer just a cultural rite; it has become an annual tourism draw for Kogi State. Hotels and guest houses in Ogori and neighbouring towns record full bookings during the week. Artisans, tailors, and food vendors enjoy brisk business.
“This festival is a model for cultural tourism,” said Mrs. Bisi Ekele from the Kogi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “It sustains tradition, creates jobs, and builds community pride.”
- Photographers and videographers from across the country captured the 2025 celebration, sharing its beauty widely online. Social media was flooded with images of radiant maidens, drummers, and jubilant families, giving global audiences a glimpse of Ogori’s enduring culture.
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Keeping Tradition Alive in a Changing World
While the Ovia-Osese tradition remains vibrant, it has evolved to reflect contemporary realities. Modern editions now include workshops on reproductive health, education, and career development, reinforcing that purity also means self-respect, knowledge, and purpose.
“We may live in a modern world, but we still cherish our traditions,” said one youth ambassador. “The Ovia-Osese is our way of saying we remember where we came from.”
Some critics argue that the festival’s emphasis on virginity is outdated, but community leaders stress that the message goes far beyond that.
“It’s not about control; it’s about values,” said Chief Omole. “It’s voluntary. No one is forced. What we celebrate is discipline, pride, and the continuity of our moral fabric.”
Younger participants, too, see it as empowering rather than restrictive.
“The festival made me feel proud to be a woman,” said 17-year-old maiden, Folu Arogundade, who was among those initiated in 2025. “It taught me that being a woman is about strength and responsibility.”
A Festival of Unity and Identity
Ogori is a small but proud town a melting pot of education, music, and communal life. Every year, the Ovia-Osese Festival draws sons and daughters from across Nigeria and beyond, uniting the diaspora in a shared celebration of heritage.
“We may live far apart, but every year, Ovia-Osese calls us home,” said Mrs. Felicia Arogundade, a UK-based native. “It reminds us that our roots are deep, our culture strong, and our pride unbroken.”
The festival also serves as a generational bridge elders passing down wisdom, parents guiding, and youths learning the value of belonging.
“Let us hold firm to the spirit of Ovia-Osese – a spirit of transition, rebirth, and unity,” urged Mr. Ododo during this year’s finale. “As we dance and celebrate, we strengthen our community.”
The Enduring Message
As the last day of the 2025 celebration faded into the cool Kogi night, the maidens their faces glowing with pride and relief stood as symbols of continuity. Behind their smiles lay the timeless wisdom of their ancestors: that womanhood is not merely biological, but moral and communal.
“Our culture teaches that beauty without virtue is hollow, and virtue without knowledge is incomplete,” said Mrs. Adejoh, gazing fondly at the girls she helped prepare.
For the Ogori people, the Ovia-Osese Festival is not just a rite of passage; it is a living institution, one that preserves values, strengthens family bonds, and keeps history alive.
As the final drums echoed and the last dance steps faded, one truth lingered in the hearts of all who witnessed it:
Purity is strength. Tradition is identity. Womanhood is pride.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
