Kogi govt reaffirms support for culture, girl-child education at 2026 Ovia Osese Festival

The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation, girl-child education, and unity as the 2026 Ovia Osese Cultural Festival drew to a close in Ogori, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area.

Speaking at the grand finale on Saturday, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, described the festival as a symbol of identity, heritage, and development for the Ogori people and the state at large.

He noted that Ovia Osese is more than a cultural celebration, stressing that it serves as a platform for education, tourism, and economic growth while preserving the rich traditions of the people.

The Governor commended the organisers, particularly the President of the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), Dr. Gabriel Aiso Osiwomequin, for elevating the festival to greater prominence.

Ododo also emphasised the importance of girl-child education, describing Ogori as a model community where more girls are now actively enrolled in school.

He disclosed that under the AGILE Project, the state government has supported 13,359 girls with financial assistance to help them remain in school.

He further described Ovia Osese as a major cultural asset and the only UNESCO-recognised cultural festival in Kogi State, assuring that the government would continue to invest in tourism infrastructure to attract both local and international visitors.

READ ALSO: Bank recapitalisation: Strengthening Nigeria’s financial system for a trillion-dollar economy

Highlighting his administration’s strides, the Governor pointed to improvements in security, road construction, free primary and secondary education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and workers’ welfare.

He called on residents across ethnic and social divides to sustain peaceful coexistence, urging them not to allow politics, religion, or differences in background to create division.

“Whether we are Ebira, Igala, Okun, Bassa, Nupe, Ogori or Kakanda, we are one people with a common destiny,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of the Ogori Descendants Union, Dr. Gabriel Aiso Osiwomequin, urged the people to remain deeply connected to their cultural roots, describing the Ovia Osese Festival as one of the most treasured institutions of the Ogori community.

Speaking on the theme, “Living the Legacy: A Rich Celebration of Tradition and Identity”, he said the festival reflects the enduring values, history, and identity of the people.

He warned that any society that loses touch with its heritage risks losing its essence, quoting an African proverb: “A river that forgets its source will soon run dry.”

Osiwomequin stressed the importance of preserving traditions, telling indigenous stories, and defining cultural identity, noting that the festival provides a proud platform for celebrating the community’s heritage.

He described Ogori as a community built on discipline, respect for tradition, communal responsibility, and a strong commitment to progress, values he said remain essential for guiding future generations.

Despite its relatively small population, he noted that Ogori has produced outstanding individuals who have excelled in the military, public service, governance, and leadership both nationally and internationally.

He also highlighted the community’s strong academic reputation, describing Ogori as one of Nigeria’s most intellectually distinguished communities, with a high number of professors and scholars.

According to him, these achievements underscore the importance of sustaining a culture of education, excellence, and hard work.

Osiwomequin urged the younger generation to embrace their heritage and uphold the values handed down by their forebears, stressing that the future of the community depends on preserving its identity while striving for continued progress.

The festival concluded with celebrations, as dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests joined the people of Ogori in showcasing their rich cultural heritage.