Two distinguished daughters of the Magongo community in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State graced the grand finale of the 2025 Owiya Osese Festival, radiantly adorned in traditional Magongo attire at the Magongo Civic Centre..
A group from the neighboring Ogori community which came in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Magongo in celebration of Owiya Osese festival.
At the heart of the ceremony is Epkase Ofufuwa, a cherished local delicacy that carries more than just flavor. Prepared with skill and love by women across generations, the dish—made from mashed yam or plantain infused with palm oil and native spices,symbolizes maturity, purity, and readiness for societal roles. Traditionally cooked in earthen pots over open firewood, its earthy aroma is as nostalgic as it is mouthwatering.
But Epkase Ofufuwa isn’t just served; it’s contested. The 2025 festival featured a vibrant cooking competition where maidens and mothers alike battled for culinary supremacy. The air buzzed with excitement as contestants stirred, mashed, and seasoned with ancestral precision, hoping to win not just prizes but prestige. Judges, drawn from elders and culinary experts, evaluated each entry for taste, texture, aroma, and cultural authenticity.
Spectators,locals and tourists alike,seen cheered, danced, and savored samples, turning the event into a feast of not just food but of identity. Drummers kept the beat alive, dancers told stories with their feet, and griots narrated tales of past festivals and heroines who once bore the Epkase crown.
Our correspondent reports that the event commenced with heavy rainfall, a phenomenon described by many attendees as a big blessing to the occasion and the people of Magongo.
Despite the rain,the event went electric with cultural parade by various cultural groups,age groups and associations,entertaining the people and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Magongo community.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
