Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the people of Magongo for preserving their culture and prioritizing girl-child education, describing the Owiya Osese Festival as a symbol of unity, identity, and tradition.
The governor spoke on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2026 Owiya Osese Festival in Magongo, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area. He was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu.
Ododo said the festival goes beyond celebration, noting that it helps preserve the history, values, and identity of the community for future generations.
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He praised Magongo’s commitment to girl-child education, stating that there are currently more girls in school than boys in the community. He described the feat 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 disclosed that over 13,000 adolescent girls recently received financial assistance from the state government through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, to help them stay in school.
Ododo also applauded the virtues of Magongo women, including their dignity, discipline, and hard work, saying they continue to make the state proud.
He urged youths to remain peaceful, take pride in their culture, and engage in productive activities that will promote community and state development.
The governor congratulated the Magongo Development Association and the entire community on the successful hosting of the 2026 festival, expressing hope that the celebration will continue to grow.
Earlier, National President of the Magongo Development Association, Prince Akpata Jordan, said Owiya Osese is a traditional rite marking the stage of legal maturity for marriage. He explained that the rite encourages young girls to remain chaste, disciplined, and morally upright.
Jordan thanked the state government for reinstating the Olu Magongo, His Royal Highness, Obin Sam Bola Ojo, saying the gesture has rekindled the community’s support for the administration. He appealed for the rehabilitation of roads in the area.
In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ogori-Magongo LGA, Hon. Rosemary Ohiezu, congratulated the maidens on their transition into womanhood. She advised them to treat others with kindness, pursue academic excellence, and embrace self-reflection for successful marriages.
