By Makafan Joseph.
The 2025 edition of the Owiya Osese Festival, a cherished annual cultural event that fosters unity, love, and peaceful coexistence among the Magongo people in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been scheduled to hold from Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, 2025.
Organised by the Magongo Development Association (MDA), the festival continues to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Magongo community.
Over the years, it has become a rallying point for indigenes and friends of the town.
According to a statement released in lokoja on Monday by the Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Biodun Fadipe, the Grand Finale will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Magongo Civic Centre.
Mr. Fadipe also outlined a series of engaging activities lined up for the celebration.
These include the traditional hosting of age groups, celebratory feasting, mountaineering, the Ekpase Ofufuwa Eating Competition, and various sporting events.
Highlighting the importance of this year’s event, the National President of MDA, Prince Jordan Akpata,noted that the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most colourful yet, attracting high-profile guests from within and outside the community.
He emphasized that the festival would showcase a blend of cultural displays and other thrilling entertainment.
Dignitaries expected at the event include the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. The First Lady of the State, Mrs. Sefinat Usman Ododo, will be the Mother of the Day, while the Chairperson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, Honourable Rosemary Ohiezu, will serve as Chief Host.
Also expected are Honourable Bode Ogunmola, member representing Ogori-Magongo Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly and who is also the Minority Whip, who will be the Guest of Honour; Professor Olowu Malachy, Chairman of the Occasion; and Mrs. Folukemi John, Chairperson of the Occasion.
The festival promises to be a colourful showcase of Magongo’s cultural pride and community spirit.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
