(PHOTOS) RIVERS COMMUNITY INITIATE YOUNG VIRGINS INTO WOMANHOOD
Ogu kingdom, a community in the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, once again gathered lots of attention on social media over the pictures of its annual Iria festival, a ceremony that ushers in young virgins into womanhood.
The Iria, a ceremony of womanhood, is an ancient festival of the Okrika people organized by various towns, particularly in December and January period.
The ceremony dates back to the 16th century and has continued to pique the interest of both locals and visitors, with people looking forward to the last three to four months of each year to see not just a glimpse but a complete view of breasts-baring maidens being initiated into womanhood.
Apart from being a natural source of entertainment, the Iria Festival is seen as a yearly competition, which families in Okrika take advantage of to showcase chastity as parents present their virgin daughters and get them ready for the fattening room, where they are fed with body-nourishing meals, especially pounded yam mixed with pounded plantain and fresh fish.
Photos from the event this year have gone viral on social media.
More Stories
NPFL: REMO STARS RECLAIM TOP SPOT, 3SC SHOCK RANGERS
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 18 fixtures produced a blend of surprising results. A total of eight goals...
PRES. TINUBU MOURNS THE PASSING OF RETIRED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE UTHMAN ARGUNGU
President Bola Tinubu expresses profound sorrow over the passing of retired Supreme Court Justice Uthman Muhammad Argungu, describing his departure...
FUEL PRICE TO DROP TO N935 PER LITRE BY MONDAY – IPMAN
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), says the price of petrol will drop to N935 per litre by...
UPDATE: COMMUNITY CALLS FOR JUSTICE OVER DEATH OF MEMBER IN POLICE CUSTODY
Residents of Erubu-Asunnara Community in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have called on the Inspector General of...
LOOKMAN SCORES AS ATALANTA FIGHT BACK TO DEFEAT EMPOLI 3-2
Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman was on the scoresheet as Atalanta surged back to the top of...
DEATH OF DEBTOR IN POLICE CELL: IGP VISITS KWARA, FAMILY OF DECEASED
Directs FCID to Take Over Case for Swift Dispensation of Justice.... The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has...