…AS FIRST LADY SEN. OLUREMI TINUBU DESCRIBES NZEM BEROM AS RICH AND BEAUTIFUL
It was a moment of joy, pride, and cultural celebration as the Berom ethnic nationality in Plateau State marked the 2025 Nzem Berom Festival, a revered cultural event that unites sons and daughters of the land, both at home and in the diaspora, in thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness and in prayers for a peaceful and productive farming season.
This year’s celebration, with the theme “Celebrating the Prowess, Gallantry and Resilience of Berom Women – Past and Present,” spotlighted the enduring spirit, cultural heritage, and invaluable contributions of Berom women to the preservation of tradition, promotion of unity, and pursuit of sustainable development.
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, joined by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, a proud Berom daughter, expressed deep appreciation to the Berom people for their steadfast support and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a united and inclusive Plateau, where all ethnic groups live in harmony and contribute to the growth of the state.
He revealed that the government has received the report of the Committee on Chieftaincy Matters and assured that his administration will engage the traditional institution to address the issues raised in a fair and just manner.
He also emphasized his focus on developmental and people-oriented policies aimed at uplifting the living standards of citizens across the state.
On the suspension of mining activities, Governor Mutfwang clarified that the decision was taken to address the security threats linked to unregulated mining. He disclosed that following a rigorous screening of some mining operations, government-approved miners would be permitted to resume activities in the coming week, by God’s grace.
Highlighting infrastructural development, the Governor noted ongoing road construction and rehabilitation efforts across Beromland, especially within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, with more projects in the pipeline to reposition Plateau among the leading states in the federation.
Governor Mutfwang also extended heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassion and generous interventions to support victims of insecurity in Plateau State, assuring her of the state’s continued solidarity.
Represented by Hajiya Fati Abba, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who served as the Chairperson of the occasion, described the Nzem Berom Festival as colorful, rich, and captivating. She remarked that it not just a festival but a vibrant celebration of the Berom people’s cultural wealth.
The First Lady commended the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, for his visionary and resilient leadership in championing peace, unity, and development. She praised the industriousness of Berom women, citing their historic contributions to nation-building, especially through agriculture, animal husbandry, and local enterprise.
Senator Tinubu prayed that the festival would usher in a peaceful and bountiful farming season, free from violence and insecurity. She also expressed hope that the celebration would align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
In his welcome remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, welcomed dignitaries and reiterated the Berom Nation’s commitment to hospitality, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance. He expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her unrelenting support for vulnerable groups, especially those affected by crises in Plateau and across Nigeria.
In recognition of her humanitarian service, the Berom Nation conferred on the First Lady the honorary title of “De Teyei” — meaning “Very Caring Mother.”
The Gbong Gwom Jos called for urgent action against child trafficking and advocated support for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to curb the menace. He further urged the state government to reinstate the teaching of history in secondary schools as a means of promoting cultural values and fostering positive value orientation among future generations.
The festival featured a colorful array of traditional dances, showcasing the beauty of Berom culture and reinforcing the message of peace and unity.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
May 2, 2025.
