Ogidi Community Hosts 2026 Cultural Festival in Grand Style
_Event showcases community heritage, culture-driven tourism, and calls for unity_
By Temiloluwa Samuel
The historic town of Ogidi in Ijumu Local Government Area came alive on Saturday as indigenes and guests from across Nigeria gathered for the 2026 Ogidi Day Cultural Festival, held in grand style to celebrate their heritage, unity, and community development.
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Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the event, including traditional rulers, political leaders, business executives, and cultural ambassadors. The festival grounds were filled with colourful displays of traditional dance, drumming, masquerade performances, and fashion that highlighted the rich culture of Ogidi, Olaga, Agbo Olode, troops that accompanied internationally recognised culture ambassador Chief Nike Okundaye, and other groups including representatives from Edo, Lagos, and the eastern flank of Nigeria.
The atmosphere was festive as indigenes home and abroad returned to reconnect with their roots. Thousands of visitors thronged the venue, turning the event into a major economic boost for local traders, food vendors, and transport operators.
In his welcome address, the National President of the Ogidi Development Union, ODU, Mr. Kayode Eniolorunda, commended guests for attending the biggest cultural festival in June and assured them that the annual event would get better with time. He said this year’s event focused on raising funds for the construction of a 2,500-capacity modern community centre for Ogidi.
Other speakers described Ogidi Day as more than a celebration, but a platform to promote culture-driven tourism and economic growth. “Tradition also drives high-level tourism. If we can promote our culture to the highest level, people around the world will want to come and see what we have to showcase,” one speaker noted during the event.
The festival also provided a forum for discussions on pressing community issues, including security, youth empowerment, and agriculture. Dignitaries commended the organisers for using culture to unite the people and attract investment to the area.
Traditional ruler His Royal Majesty Oba Rabiu Sule led prayers and blessings for the community, while cultural groups from neighbouring towns performed, reinforcing ties across Nigeria.
Ogidi Day 2026 ended with a renewed call for unity, investment in community projects, and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. Dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Idris Rufus Oluwafemi; ADC Candidate for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the forthcoming general elections; the founder of the Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation, Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji; Hon. Nihi John Oladele, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Government on Youths and Students Matters; and traditional rulers including the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, HRM Oba Solomon Owoniyi; the Olojumu of Ijumu, HRM Oba William Ayeni; the Elulu of Mopa, HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; HRM Oba Bamigbade Anthony, Olu Adde of Ekirin-Adde; and HRH Oba Akin Obamero, Oba of Gbeleko-Kabba, among others.
END
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 21ST 2026)
