From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Berom ethnic group in Plateau State came together in a vibrant display of culture, pride, and unity to celebrate the 2025 Nzem Berom Festival — an annual thanksgiving event that draws sons and daughters of the land from across the globe.
The festival, held at the Polo Field in Jos, carried the theme “Celebrating the Prowess, Gallantry and Resilience of Berom Women, Past and Present.” It spotlighted the invaluable role of Berom women in preserving tradition, fostering unity, and driving sustainable development in their communities.
Speaking during the celebration, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Nzem Berom Festival as a colorful and captivating reflection of the Berom people’s cultural wealth. R
epresented by Hajiya Fatima Abba, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, she commended the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, for his leadership in promoting peace and development.
Senator Tinubu praised the industriousness of Berom women, particularly in agriculture, animal husbandry, and local enterprise, expressing hope that the festival would usher in a season of peace and agricultural abundance. She also expressed optimism that the celebration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security.
In his remarks, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, unity, and development. He explained that the temporary suspension of mining activities in the state was necessary to address the security threats posed by illegal operations, adding that approved miners would soon resume operations.
The governor appreciated the Berom people’s continued support and disclosed that road construction and rehabilitation projects are underway across Beromland, especially in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, with more projects in the pipeline.
He also acknowledged the First Lady’s interventions in support of victims of insecurity in the state and assured her of Plateau’s unwavering solidarity.
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 peaceful coexistence and hospitality. He thanked the First Lady for her support of vulnerable groups, especially crisis-affected communities in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria.
In recognition of her humanitarian efforts, the Berom Nation conferred on her the honorary title of “De Teyei” — meaning “Very Caring Mother.” He also called for renewed efforts to combat child trafficking and advocated for the reinstatement of history teaching in secondary schools to promote cultural values and national consciousness.
Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee, Senator Simon Mwadkwon, described the 2025 edition of Nzem Berom as historic, emphasizing that it provided a unique platform to honor the achievements of Berom women, both at home and in the diaspora.
He noted that Berom women have consistently served as unifiers, home builders, and drivers of social transformation, embodying hard work, virtue, and hospitality.
The festival featured colorful traditional dances, cultural displays, and a communal atmosphere, reinforcing the enduring message of peace, unity, and gratitude among the Berom people.
