It was indeed a moment of relief and excitement for Plateau people when Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor-Elect reiterated his commitment to work collectively with other leaders in the state to return persons who are displaced back to their ancestral homes.
Barr. Mutfwang disclosed this on Friday during the 2023 Nzem Berom celebration with the theme, “The Berom Economy: A metamorphosis”, held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
He prayed for God Almighty to stop the renewed killings in the state to allow citizens who have laboured over the years to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Mutfwang praised the Berom nation for their resilience and commitment towards rebuilding of Plateau State, and urged the people to continue in that direction for the greater good of the state.
“It is with great joy and satisfaction that I bring my felicitations to the Berom Nation. The history of Plateau State cannot be complete without the history of the Berom, you cannot say you have developed Plateau State without developing Berom land; you cannot secure Plateau State without securing Berom land.
“I am glad that today, other ethnic nationalities on the Plateau are gathered in solidarity with the Berom Nation and this is the direction that we must go as people of Plateau State from May 29, by the grace of God. We are going to start a new journey, a journey to secure Plateau, a journey to unite Plateau, a journey to develop Plateau, and by the grace of God, the Berom land will have a chunk of it.
“By God’s grace, we will work together with other leaders to ensure that our people that are displaced from their villages are returned to their ancestral land. By the grace of God, the Berom land will flourish again, Plateau will flourish again; and Nzem Berom will attract other people not only from Plateau but other states in Nigeria and globally.
“We will ensure that this cultural festivals and others from the various ethnic nationalities are well developed, well packaged, so that Plateau State will regain its name as a home of Peace and Tourism. I thank you for putting this festival together. It is historic and epoch- making, and I want to congratulate the planning Committee, and to say that this is pace setting, and I am sure that other ethnic nationalities will learn from this and build from it.
“Tomorrow would have been the turn of the Mwaghavul Nation to host this similar festival, but because of the crisis that broke out and the number of people that were killed, his royal highness and his council decided to put it off”.
The Governor-elect prayed that God Almighty will comfort the bereaved families who lost their loved ones during the recent attacks and asked Him to put an end to the ceaseless shedding of blood in various communities in the state.
Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Muhammad, expressed delight for being part of the 2023 Nzem Berom, and said he attaches utmost importance to the festival.
He described the Berom people as hospitable and accommodative, saying he will work in collaboration with the incoming Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to bring about the desired development in the state.
“This is an opportunity for me to come and celebrate with my brothers in Plateau and the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, who has contributed immensely in various ways to the development of Nigeria.
“I assure the people of Plateau State that we will open a new chapter of collaboration, development, synergy and understanding with my brother, the incoming Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.”
Muhammad expressed confidence that the Governor Elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang will surpass the expectations of Plateau people in view of his competent leadership qualities exhibited over the years.
Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defence and Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang who doubled as the Chairman Main Planning Committee of the 2023 Nzem Berom warmly welcomed dignitaries to the event, expressed delight over their sacrifice and support to the Berom Nation.
He said “the Berom economy has undergone phases and stages of metamorphosis from the precolonial era, which was widely regimented, characterized by farming, hunting, animal husbandry, among others.”
He noted that the festival also offers a great opportunity to strengthen the bond of unity and brotherhood among the illustrious sons and daughters of the Berom nation and other ethnic nationalities in the state.
Sen. Gyang expressed hope that the incoming administration will come up with refreshing thoughts that will address the prevailing insecurity challenges that has dislocated various communities in the state.
The occasion, hosted by the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman Plateau State Joint Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, was well attended by dignitaries far and near including, Senator Jonah David Jang; Senator Philip Aduda, Senate Minority Leader; Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Muhammad, representatives of His Royal Highness, Tsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III-Olu of Warri.
Respected Berom traditional rulers, elders, elected and appointed political office holders, among several persons within and outside the state.
