The President of the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), Dr. Gabriel Aiso, has announced that preparations are in top gear for the 2026 edition of the annual Ovia Osese Festival, the revered cultural celebration of the people of Ogori Kingdom in Ogori‑Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Dr. Aiso disclosed that this year’s festival will hold from April 12 to April 18, 2026, with the grand finale scheduled for April 18, adding that organizers are expecting wide participation from dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts across the country.
Speaking ahead of the festival on Monday in Lokoja, the ODU president described Ovia Osese as a cherished cultural heritage that reflects the identity, values and history of the Ogori people.
According to him, the theme for the 2026 edition focuses on portraying the real tradition and identity of Ogori people, a concept he said is deeply rooted in the community’s heritage and cultural pride.
“Ovia Osese is a cultural festival observed annually by the people of Ogori Kingdom.
This year’s theme touches my heart because it speaks directly about our identity, heritage and where we come from,” he said.
Dr. Aiso explained that arrangements for the week-long cultural celebration had been intensified to ensure that guests and dignitaries expected from various parts of the country are adequately accommodated.
He noted that the 2026 edition would be bigger and more elaborate than previous editions, following the remarkable success recorded during last year’s festival which, according to him, witnessed the highest turnout in the history of the event.
“We are expecting a large number of dignitaries this year from the local government areas, the state government and the federal government. From all the arrangements we have put in place, this year’s festival will be bigger than what we witnessed last year,” he said.
The ODU president also revealed that the festival is being organised in collaboration with the Ogori-Magongo Local Government Council, the Kogi State Government, and the Federal Government, a partnership he said would further strengthen the cultural and tourism potential of the event.
Reflecting on the pledges made by individuals and organisations during the previous festival, Dr. Aiso expressed satisfaction that most of the commitments had been fulfilled.
“To the best of my knowledge, individuals and organisations that made promises during last year’s festival have fulfilled their commitments to the Ogori community,” he said.
The Festivals and Events Sub-Committee of the Ogori Descendants Union is pleased to announce the schedule of events for the 2026 Ovia Osese Festival themed “LIVING THE LEGACY: A Rich Celebration of Tradition and Identity.”
This year’s events will begin with Praise Night on Sunday, April 12th and end with Thanksgiving Services on Sunday, April 19th.
Find below the detailed programme schedule:
*SUNDAY 12TH APRIL, 2026*
Praise Night
7 pm
*MONDAY 13TH APRIL, 2026*
*Morning*
Cleaning (OSA)
*Afternoon*
Board Games
3 pm
*Evening*
Road Show (OSA)
4:30 pm
Local Games
5 pm
*TUESDAY 14TH APRIL, 2026*
*Morning*
Senior Citizen Jogging
6 am
Quiz and Debates
8:30 am
*Afternoon*
Volleyball Finals
3:30 pm
*WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL, 2026*
*Morning*
Marathon
6 am
*Afternoon*
Cooking Competition
3 pm
Oko Language Competition
4 pm
*Evening*
Entertainment Night
5 pm
*THURSDAY 16TH APRIL, 2026*
*Morning*
Time With Ivia (Talk Show)
10 am
*Afternoon*
Football Finals
4 pm
*Evening*
Eregba Night
8 pm
*FRIDAY 17TH APRIL, 2026*
*Morning*
Carnival – 6 am
TITI OAKS Foundation Outreach – Immediately after Carnival
*Afternoon*
Mrs. Aiso’s Medical Outreach for Girls
3:30pm
*Evening*
Miss Ogori – 5 pm
Gala Night – 8 pm
*SATURDAY 18TH APRIL, 2026*
Grand Finale
10 am
*SUNDAY 19TH APRIL, 2026*
Thanksgiving Services at various Churches.
We wish everyone a memorable festival and pray for a safe journey to all who will travel from all parts of the world to celebrate.
Signed:
Festivals and Events Sub-Committee
Ogori Cultural Renaissance Committee.
