by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, says the 2025 Cultural Day of Berom Nation will be for all the tribes in the State. “This is to bring unity among the people and promote cultural heritage,” he stated.
The governor was speaking during the 2024 Nzem Berom Cultural Festival with the theme: ‘The Future of the Berom Land: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Re-orientation,’ at Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos recently.
Mutfwang urged ethnic groups in the state to unite in protecting and preserving the state’s proud heritage against threats to ancestral homes.
He praised the Berom nation for its role in promoting peace, tolerance, and solidarity, and commended His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, on his 15th Anniversary as the Gbong Gwom Jos, and paid tribute to the leadership of the Gwong Gwom in guiding the Berom Nation and the state.
Governor Mutfwang announced a personal donation of N10 million to the Berom Legacy Trust Fund to train 75 young men and 75 young women, as part of his administration’s deliberate policy of reducing youth restiveness.
The governor emphasized the need for unity among ethnic groups and highlighted government’s efforts at resettling Internally Displaced Persons and enhancing security for rural communities.
Representing the Senate President, Senator Diket Plang praised the Berom people’s “industrial nature” and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressed gratitude for divine protection, despite ongoing challenges, and urged his people to redouble efforts in farming activities for a bountiful harvest.
Former Governor of the State, Da Jonah David Jang, encouraged reliance on God, while former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd) and the Deputy Governor Gombe State emphasized the importance of preserving peace and unity in Plateau State and Nigeria. Prayers were offered for leadership, security, and prosperity in Plateau and Nigeria.
He also appealed to the people to go back and respect culture, saying, “And don’t be ashamed of your language or tribe. We have abandoned our culture and we have to keep our culture and language alive,” he said, and urged Berom to keep their culture wherever they are – whether in position or where they find themselves – for a better Berom Nation.
In another development, the annual Interdenominational Christmas Carols is billed to hold in December 2024.