The people of Ogu town in Ogu-Bolo local government area of Rivers state in Nigeria, recently held their annual “Iria” Ceremony in which they initiated some young virgins into womanhood. The ceremony took place on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
The Iria ceremony is an ancient ceremony that marks the transition of girls who are usually virgins into womanhood. Adorned in traditional attire, the young women participated in rituals guided by elders, showcasing their journey from adolescence to adulthood.
To pass the test, the girls between the ages of 14 and 16 must first be virgins which will be checked by women of the town, then they will be kept in a room where they will undergo training on womanhood
After passing through this process, the qualified girls will be given certificates showing that they are now adult ladies ready to marry. It’s an Okrika-Ijaw ceremony that dates back to the 17th century.
The festivities featured traditional music, dance, and regalia, attracting family, friends, and well-wishers to witness the cultural celebration.
Elders emphasized the importance of preserving purity and passing down traditions. The young women received blessings and wisdom from elders as they embraced the responsibilities of womanhood.
The event was documented through a series of photographs capturing the nature of the Iria ceremony.
See more pictures below:
During the ceremony, participants are kept out of circulation and fed with whatever they need. Traditional cosmetic is used to enhance the beauty of their skin. They usually look very attractive during this period because of maintenance, especially if the parents are financially stable. Some fortunate ones may get engaged to prospective husbands before the Iria.
In such cases, the prospective husband takes over the responsibility for the lady during the period. It’s a chance for the ones who are not yet engaged to showcase themselves, thereby informing the prospective husbands that they are ripe and ready for marriage. After Iria’s ceremony, the young women enjoy freedom as parental control is reduced.
