The National President of Ogori Descendants’ Union (ODU), Engr. Gbemi Omole has advised Ivia at this year’s Ovia Osese festival not to see their transmutation into womanhood as a licence to indulge in immoral acts.
Speaking at this year’s edition which held last Saturday at the Civic Centre, Ogori, Engr. Omole, remarked that toeing the path of immorality comes with dire consequences.
He admonished the maidens to shun acts that would tarnish their family names and bring Ogori to disrepute.
According to the ODU National President, Ovia Osese remains the most cherished cultural festival of Ogori people, noting that it is drawing from this that the ODU, in spite of daunting challenges has remained unrelenting in hosting the festival annually.
He further called on the people of the community to close ranks, saying that the festival should remain as a rallying point.
He noted that in the Christendom, there are denominations but Christ remains as the rallying point for all Christians, adding therefore that the festival should continue to serve as the rallying point for the community.
Engr. Omole also reiterated that the festival needs to attract the support of government just as he called on corporate to join hands with the ODU to promote the festival and launch it on the global cultural and tourism platform.
He expressed regret that in spite of being listed on the National Calendar of festivals in the country, the festival is yet to receive any support from government at all levels.
In his address, the chairman of the occasion and General Manager of the National Theatre in Lagos, Prof. Sunday Enesi Ododo, described Ovia Osese as a festival with great prospects and time-tested moral lessons.
Prof. Ododo who has done a lot of research on the festival, said the festival is not one that should not be supported and encouraged by government.
Also speaking the chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Michael Alao, remarked that Ovia Osese is relevant today as it was several decades ago.
In her remarks, the Iyodina Eyisinayo, the custodian of festival, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Iyela, advised the maiden to internalize the lessons of the festival, adding that Ogori women pride themselves as worthy wives and mothers.
This year’s event, many observers maintained is far more organised and it aptly showcased the richness of the culture of Ogori people