Ogori community in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Council in Kogi State came alive on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in a vibrant display of colour, music, and tradition as the community celebrated the grand finale of the 2026 edition of the Ovia Osese Cultural Festival amid pomp and pageantry.
The annual cultural festival, which celebrates the rich heritage and identity of the Ogori people, drew dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and participants from across neighbouring communities and beyond.
Ovia Osese is the only cultural festival recognised by UNESCO in Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo used the opportunity to reaffirmed its administration commitment to leverage on the diverse culture and tradition of the various communities to promote girl-child education and strengthen unity across the state.
Governor Ododo, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, described the festival as more than a celebration.
According to him, Ovia Osese represents the history, identity and values of the Ogori people, while also serving as a tool for education, tourism and economic development.
The governor commended the organisers of the festival, especially the President of the Ogori Descendants Union, Dr Gabriel Aiso, for making this year’s event bigger colourful and more impactful.
Governor Ododo also highlighted the importance of educating and empowering the girl child.
He noted that Ogori has become an example to others because more girls are now in school in the community.
He said the Kogi State Government remains committed to supporting girls through education and empowerment programmes.
The governor recalled that under the AGILE Project, the government gave financial support to 13,359 girls in Kogi State to help them remain in school.
Governor Ododo further described Ovia Osese as a major cultural asset to Kogi State, noting that it is the only UNESCO recognised cultural festival in the state.
He said the government will continue to support the festival and improve tourism infrastructure to attract more local and international visitors.
Governor Ododo also spoke about the achievements of his administration in the areas of security, road construction, education, healthcare, agriculture and workers’ welfare.
He said the government has strengthened security across the state, carrying out major road projects, made primary and secondary education free, and is improving healthcare services.
The governor then called on all ethnic groups, communities and social classes in Kogi State to continue to live together in peace.
He urged the people not to allow politics, religion or differences in background to divide them.
“Whether we are Ebira, Igala, Okun, Bassa, Nupe, Ogori or Kakanda, we are one people with a common destiny,” he said.
Governor Ododo congratulated the people of Ogori on the successful celebration of the 2026 Ovia Osese Cultural Festival and prayed for continued peace, progress and unity in Kogi State.
Earlier while declaring open the festival, Hon. Rosemary Ohiezu, Chairman, Ogori – Magongo Local Government Council, commended the community for preserving its indigenous traditions,
particularly highlighting the cultural significance of Ovia Osese in Ogori and Owiya Osese in Magongo.
She described the festival as a symbol of unity, identity, and continuity, while praising the impressive turnout and the efforts of the organising committee for delivering a well-coordinated event.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ogori Cultural Renaissance Committee 2026, Arc. Mathew Ajayi Onoba, expressed deep appreciation to all attendees, participants, and stakeholders.
He applauded committee members for their dedication, resilience, and shared passion in ensuring the success of the festival.
According to him, the festival represents not just a celebration, but a deliberate effort to sustain and promote the cultural legacy of the Ogori people for future generations.
Delivering a goodwill message, a former Permanent Secretary in the Kogi State Ministry of Information, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, emphasized the vital role of cultural festivals in fostering unity, tourism, and community development.
Adurodija encouraged continued support for initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and bring people together.
Also speaking, the National President of the Ogori Descendants Union, Dr. Gabriel Aiso, called on the people to remain united and committed to the vision of the community’s cultural renaissance.
He noted that such gatherings reinforce communal bonds and provide a platform for younger generations to connect with their roots.
The Chairperson of the Ogori Ovia Osese Carnival 2026, Mrs. Eunice Kemisi Odaibo-Tolufashe, in her goodwill message delivered on her behalf by Mr. Moses Adedeji, the committee’s spokesperson, appreciated the collective efforts of sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders.
She reiterated the importance of sustaining the carnival as a beacon of pride, unity, and cultural excellence.
Adding a strong humanitarian dimension to the celebration, the Titi Oaks Foundation made a remarkable impact by providing free meals to over 1,000 participants throughout the event.
In addition, the foundation distributed educational materials, including books and school bags, to school children and young attendees.
This gesture was widely applauded as it not only supported the welfare of participants but also reinforced the importance of education and community support within the festival.
One of the highlights of the event, a carnival procession commenced at the Local Government Secretariat in Akpafa and made its way through major routes before culminating at the Ogori Civic Centre.
The procession featured a colourful array of cultural displays, including traditional dances, music performances, and symbolic attire representing the heritage of the Ogori people.
The event was graced by traditional rulers, age-grade groups, and cultural troupes from neighbouring communities, all contributing to the rich tapestry of performances that defined the carnival.
The atmosphere was marked by excitement, pride, and a strong sense of belonging among participants and spectators alike.
Observers noted that beyond the festivities, the cultural festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural education, tourism promotion, and socio-economic engagement within the community.
The growing scale and organisation of the event further underscore its significance as a major cultural attraction in Kogi State.
The 2026 Ogori Ovia Osese Cultural Festival stands as a powerful testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the Ogori people, reflecting their commitment to preserving tradition while embracing community development and unity. (vitalnewsngr.com)
