See Photos of Nigerian Virgins Initiation Ceremony in Rivers State
Culture has been defined as the entirety of people’s ways of life which differentiates a particular ethnic group or nation from another.
In Nigeria, there are hundreds of ethnic groups or nations with divergent cultural heritage and backgrounds who strive to keep and practice their culture. Thus, despite the persistent threat of pushing various cultural practices of Nigerians into an abrupt extinction, many ethnic groups are still practicing theirs to the fullest.
Little wonder, the people of Ogu kingdom in Ogu/Bolo LGA of Rivers State on Saturday celebrated Iria, an ancient ceremony that marks the transition of girls who are usually virgins into womanhood.
Young virgins were given certificates by the Ogu Council of chChiefsor passing the test.
Iria is considered a rite of passage for young girls as they reach puberty and begin to mature physically
To pass through the test, the girls 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.
After passing through this process, the qualified girls will be given certificates showing that they are now adult ladies ready to marry.
