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According to UN AIDS in 2014, HIV (AIDS) prevalence for ages between 15 and 49 was put at 3.2%.This figure looks alarming and this calls for other methods and ways of reducing this occurrence beyond the normal scientific means.
Researchers have continued in their campaign of complete abstinence as the surest way of curbing this menace insisting that all available alternatives have some percentages of limitation.
Ovia Osese festival is one of the cherished festivals in Kogi state celebrated by both communities of Ogori-Magongo Local Government. Though, through modern civilization and religious beliefs the festival has remained a mock of the actual as the people have made the cultural festival free from all the attachments of the old traditional beliefs, however the import is that the festival bar all Ogori Daughters from sex before her initiation into womanhood (Ovia Osese) usually at eighteen years. At the period of initiation which usually ran into one week now because of the celebrant’s workplace or education, they are taught what it takes to be a woman, which many have described as a short diploma course on sex education and home keeping, at this point of 18years it is expected that the women are matured and can now be tutored on all aspect of women’s life to include homekeeping, relationship, sex education etc.
In 18th and 19th century Europe, the term culture was equated with civilization and considered a unique aspect of western society. Remnant of that colonial definition of culture can be seen today as the idea of “high culture”.
During the Romantic Era, Cultures became equated with nationalism and gave rise to the idea of multiple national cultures. Today, social scientists understand culture as a society’s norms, values and beliefs as well as its object and symbol.
As the people of Ogoriland continue to hold tenaciously to their culture, the Ovia Osese, it must be seen beyond the dancing and merriment. The festival has remained a moral regulator for maidens in the community and if critically analyzed, it can be said to be a check to discourage waywardness and early sexual interaction. One of the factors contributing to the spread of HIV (AIDS) is ignorance and early sexual interaction and it is not limited to level of education alone but naivety and nonexposure. If the people continue to hold to the Ovia Osese doctrine, it will seek to reduce the spread of this menace whose spread is been promoted by naivety or nonexposure of maidens. In Ogoriland maidens know that at early ages they have no business with sex before their initiation, in fact it is a taboo.
Ovia Osese festival of the Ogori people must be viewed beyond tourism development alone. It is a festival for the development of good ethics and value system in the society. Its mantra of self control and respect for maiden’s virginity are indeed process of instilling discipline in developing societies like ours.
Government at all level and corporate organization must see this Ovia Osese Model as impactful and can be preached in all societies to enhance values and discipline in the society. Developmental partners must take advantage of this peaceful cultural festival capable of instilling the culture of discipline in the society.
This piece was sent in from Hon. Oladipo Makakese Bayode, Advocacy for Housing for All, Nigeria
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