Kogi state governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Saturday
described the Ovia Osese festival as not only a proud cultural heritage but a strong moral compass that aligns with his administration’s drive to promote dignity, discipline, and purposeful living among young people.
Governor Ododo stated this while speaking as a special guest of honour at the 2025 Ovia Osese cultural festival in Ogori, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State
The Governor who reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of cultural values and the empowerment of women and girls through provision of a safe, secure, and inclusive 
environment, pointed out that Ovia Osese festival which honours young girls that have preserved their purity and discipline can simply regarded as a shining example of how our culture can promote virtue, character and community strength.
“As a government, we see our daughters as the future. We are committed to creating opportunities and safe spaces for them to grow, lead, and succeed”, the Governor said.
He commended the Ogori community for preserving the age-long tradition and called on other communities to continue to uphold customs that elevate the moral and developmental aspirations of young girls and women.
In his speech the national president of Ogori Descendants Union (ODU) Dr Gabriel Aiso called on sons and daughters of Ogori community to continue working together across clans, homes and generations with one vision and one heart for the betterment of the community.
The President who described division as a luxury the community can not afford, stressed that discord is a danger the people of Ogori must reject for the development of the community.
He said “Let us hold firm to the spirit of Ovia Osese: a spirit of transition, of rebirth, and of unity. As we dance, sing, and celebrate today, let us also commit each one of us to building an Ogori that is peaceful, prosperous, and proud.
“Together, there is no dream too big, no challenge too strong. Together, the future belongs to us”
While commending the Kogi state government for the renovation of Ogori general hospital, Dr. Aiso appealed to the government for the
reconstruction of the Ogori-Ageva road that connects the community faster to Okene the headquarters of Kogi central senatorial district which he said has become treacherous owing to years of its dilapidated nature.
He thanks every Ogorians at home and in the diaspora either by birth or by association who has contributed, in big and small ways, to the growth and development of the land.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr Eddy Lawani lauded the union in maintaining and nurturing the ancient cultural festival that has gained recognition worldwide.
He appealed to Kogi state government to into the challenges affecting the community especially road and other infrastructural needs of the community.
Earlier in his speech , the chairman Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), education and culture committee, Comrade Alao Michael Oloruntoba, said that Ovia Osese is a maiden festival involving girl child who have attained the ages of sixteen to twenty years who are being initiated to womanhood.
According to him, the festival symbolizes chastity, virility and procreation in accordance with the laws of God and in conformity with the social norms of Ogori, noting that the festival is a mortality code for self and communal discipline.
Highlight of the even was chieftaincy titles award to some eminent personalities who had contributed immensely to the development of Ogori land.