Young ladies who are believed to be virgins have been initiated into womanhood in Ogu Kingdom, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The young ladies had also observed Iria, an ancient ceremony that signifies the transition of girls who are typically virgins into womanhood.
The Ogu Council of Chiefs awarded certificates to young virgins who passed the test.
According to X [formerly Twitter] user @PH_Socials, for young girls, Iria is seen as a rite of passage as girls approach puberty and start to physically mature.
While the initiation rites last, the girls will be kept in a room where they will get instruction on womanhood after passing the virginity test. The test is verified by older women in the community.
The girls who meet the requirements will receive certificates indicating that they are now mature adults who are prepared for marriage after completing the rites.
See the photographs as shared by @PH_Socials via its X [formerly Twitter] handle:
