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By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Mr. Friday Moses Agbabiaka.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition of the revered Ovia Osese Festival, the Ogori community in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State is witnessing a renewed wave of unity, cultural pride and grassroots mobilisation.
At the heart of this effort is the Ogori Descendants’ Union (ODU), which has embarked on an extensive outreach to age groups across the community, reaffirming the central role of collective participation in sustaining the cherished cultural heritage of the people.
Leading the engagement is the Assistant General Secretary I of ODU, Mr. Friday Moses Agbabiaka, who met with representatives of various age groups in a series of interactive sessions marked by enthusiasm and a shared sense of responsibility.
Our correspondent gathered that the outreach, warmly received by community members, focused on galvanising support for the annual Ovia Osese Festival—a cultural celebration renowned for showcasing the traditions, values and identity of the Ogori people.
The festival not only serves as a platform for cultural expression but also as a unifying force that strengthens bonds across generations.
According to the organizers, the festival,scheduled to commence on Friday, April 17, 2026, will begin with a colourful procession from the Ogori Magongo Local Government Secretariat to the Ogori Civic Centre.
They added that celebration will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday, April 18, featuring vibrant cultural displays, traditional performances and community festivities expected to draw indigenes and visitors alike.
During the advocacy visits, Mr. Agbabiaka urged all age groups to take ownership of the festival by participating actively and contributing meaningfully to its success.
While acknowledging concerns over the short notice given for the ₦50,000 participation fee required from each age group, he appealed for understanding and cooperation, stressing that the success of the festival depends on collective commitment.
He further encouraged voluntary contributions beyond the stipulated amount, noting that such support would not only enhance the festival but also sustain ongoing community development initiatives.
Highlighting the broader impact of ODU’s activities, Agbabiaka pointed to several interventions funded through communal efforts.
These include the payment of salaries for six ad-hoc staff at the General Hospital, Ogori,amounting to about ₦900,000 monthly,as well as financial support for PTA-employed staff at Community Comprehensive High School, Ogori.
He also cited the installation of electricity transformers in parts of the community as projects largely financed through ODU contributions.
The message from the outreach was clear and resonant: the growth and wellbeing of Ogori rest on shared responsibility and unity of purpose.
For many residents, the Ovia Osese Festival represents more than a cultural event,it is a living symbol of identity, resilience and collective progress.
As preparations gather momentum, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be not only a celebration of tradition but also a reaffirmation of the enduring spirit of community development.
With age groups mobilised and expectations rising, Ogori stands poised to host a festival that reflects its rich heritage while charting a path for a more united and vibrant future.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
