Owiya Osese Festival: Gov. Ododo Lauds Magongo’s Culture and Girl-Child Empowerment

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
May 2, 2026

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, on Saturday graced the grand finale of the 2026 Owiya Osese Festival in Magongo, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, described the festival as a strong symbol of unity, identity, and tradition among the people of Magongo, saying he was happy to be part of the cultural celebration.

Governor Ododo said the Owiya Osese Festival goes beyond celebration, as it helps preserve the history, values, and identity of the people for future generations.

He praised the community’s commitment to the education and empowerment of the girl child. He said with joy that there are currently more girls in school than boys in Magongo, describing it as a remarkable achievement.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the girl child through policies and programmes that promote education and development. He revealed that through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, the state government recently supported over 13,000 adolescent girls with financial assistance to help them stay in school.

He also applauded the virtues of the Magongo woman, including her dignity, discipline, and hard work, which he said continue to make the state proud.

Governor Ododo further urged the youths to remain peaceful, take pride in their culture, and engage in productive activities that will promote the growth of their communities and the state.

He congratulated the Magongo Development Association and the entire community on the successful hosting of the 2026 Owiya Osese Festival, expressing hope that the celebration will continue to grow in strength.

Earlier in his remarks, the National President of Magongo Development Association, Prince Akpata Alaba Jordan, explained that Owiya Osese is a traditional rite that marks the stage of legal maturity for marriage, designed to encourage young girls to remain chaste, disciplined, and morally upright.

He thanked the state government for reinstating the Olu Magongo of Magongo, His Royal Highness, Obin Sam Bola Ojo, saying that has rekindled their love and support for the current administration, while appealing for the rehabilitation of their roads.

In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area, Hon. Rosemary Ohiezu, congratulated the maidens of their transition into womanhood. Advising the ladies to treat others with kindness, pursue education excellence and prioritize self reflection in other to aim a successful marriage.