On Friday, May 2nd, 2025, the Berom Nation hosted one of its most memorable cultural events, the 2025 Nzem Berom Festival. The gathering brought together Berom sons and daughters from home and abroad, as well as prominent personalities including traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, and captains of industry from across Nigeria.
With the theme “Celebrating the Prowess, Gallantry, and Resilience of Berom Women: Past and Present,” the festival paid homage to the invaluable contributions of Berom women to family life, community development, and national progress. As the saying goes, “the taste of the pudding is in the eating,” and the 2025 Nzem Berom was a true testament to that.
Spiritual Beginnings and Royal Declaration
The celebration began with Christian prayers on Thursday, April 24th at BYM Hall, Zarmaganda, Jos, followed by Muslim prayers on Friday, April 25th at Bukuru and Aboro Central Mosques in Jos South (Plateau State) and Sanga LGA (Kaduna State), respectively.
The festival was officially declared open by the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, on Monday, April 28th, at Lala Berom Jos Museum, Jos North LGA.
Cultural Competitions and Symposium
The preliminary stages of the Zere Berom Beauty Pageant and Gwom Lwele (King of Music) competition were held concurrently on April 29th at the Lala Berom Jos Museum, with the finals taking place the next day, April 30th, at Tamarald Event Centre.
On Thursday, May 1st, the Nzem Berom Symposium took center stage, bringing together elders, academics, historians, professionals, youth leaders, students, and women’s groups for in-depth discussions on the festival’s theme.
Voices of Leadership and Unity
Senator Simon Mwadkwon, Chairman of the 2025 Nzem Berom Main Planning Committee, highlighted the event as a significant milestone in promoting unity and cultural heritage. He praised the contributions of Berom women, stating:
“Berom women have consistently demonstrated their roles as unifiers, home builders, and agents of societal transformation excelling in education, politics, civil service, security, business, and more.”
His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, commended the resilience and integrity of Berom women. He condemned child trafficking and called on parents to prioritize the education of their children. During the event, he bestowed the honorary title of “De Teyei” (meaning “a caring mother”) in recognition of outstanding maternal and social support.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Special Guest of Honour, appreciated the Berom Nation for its role in fostering peaceful coexistence in Plateau State. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity and inclusivity across ethnic lines.
Representing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Fati Abbas lauded the celebration of women’s contributions to agriculture, education, peace, and cultural preservation.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister for Women Affairs, Dr. Ima’an Suleiman Ibrahim, Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, stated that the Nzem Berom Festival reflects the resilience and enduring pride of the Berom people.
Closing Moments and Cultural Display
Da Gyang Dudu Dalyop, the President of Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) in his votes of thanks expressed gratitude to dignitaries and supporters. He saluted the roles played by Women towards the growth of the Society and pray for better future Nzem Berom.
The festival also featured a grand royal procession led by the Gbong Gwom Jos from his Jishe Palace to the Polo Field venue.
Guests were treated to live cultural performances, homage rituals, display by Be-suga (warriors), a display of traditional Berom attire and artifacts, and an array of local cuisines.
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