ODU President Urges Kogi to Leverage Ovia-Osese Festival for Tourism, Revenue Growth
The President of Ogori Descendants Union has called on Kogi State Government to harness the cultural and tourism potential of the Ovia-Osese Festival to boost revenue and local development.
The President of the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU), Dr. Gabriel Aiso, has called on the Kogi State Government to harness the economic and tourism potential of the annual Ovia-Osese Festival for sustainable revenue generation.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, Aiso described Ovia-Osese as a unique cultural heritage with the capacity to attract both local and international visitors if properly developed and promoted.
He stressed that beyond its cultural importance, the festival presents a viable opportunity for the state to diversify its revenue base through tourism, hospitality, and related economic activities.
According to him, the government’s support in terms of infrastructure, promotion, and investment would help transform the festival into a major tourism asset capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy.
The ODU president further noted that the festival, which is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ogori people, has gained recognition for promoting cultural values and community identity.
He explained that with proper planning and collaboration between the government and community stakeholders, the event could be elevated to a globally recognised cultural attraction.
Aiso also called for strategic partnerships with relevant agencies and private investors to enhance the festival’s visibility and ensure that its economic benefits are fully realised.
He emphasised that developing cultural tourism around Ovia-Osese would not only generate revenue but also create employment opportunities for youths and promote local businesses within the host community.
The appeal comes amid growing calls for states to explore alternative revenue sources beyond federal allocations, particularly through tourism and cultural heritage development.
Stakeholders believe that with adequate investment and policy support, the Ovia-Osese Festival could become a key driver of economic growth in Kogi State while preserving the rich cultural identity of the Ogori people.