BECO Holds Strategic Roundtable Conference to Chart Path for Berom Nation’s Development

The Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) has convened a strategic roundtable conference to deliberate on critical issues and articulate actionable pathways for the advancement of the Berom Nation.
The conference, with the theme “The Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO): Past, Present and Future,” was held at Teest Hotels, Little Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, and drew participants from diverse sectors of society.

In his opening remarks, BECO National Secretary, Da Chollom Gyang, stated that the motive behind the conference was to provide a platform for brainstorming and cross-fertilization of ideas for the collective good of the Berom people. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and urged participants to make constructive suggestions and recommendations that would foster the political, social, and economic development of the Berom Nation.
“The conference is geared toward engendering robust dialogue and thought-provoking discussions,” he said.

Delivering his address, BECO National President, Da Gyang Dudu, disclosed that the organization is building enduring institutions and systems that will outlive the current leadership. He noted that every Berom son and daughter has a sacred responsibility toward the progress of the Berom Nation, stressing that BECO serves as a unified platform for promoting education, culture, and social welfare.
He highlighted that under the current leadership, BECO has redefined its operational framework and strengthened accountability and transparency mechanisms.
“BECO is no longer just a cultural organization, it has evolved into a developmental force and a model for other organizations within and outside Plateau State,” he said.

Da Gyang Dudu cited several achievements, including the revamping of BECO Comprehensive High School, Kwi, through the support of Berom sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora; the rebuilding of the Lala Berom (Berom House) at the Jos Museum within three months; the disbursement of scholarships to postgraduate students; the provision of solar lighting to Wereng community in Riyom Local Government Area; as well as economic and health support initiatives for Berom individuals.
He also commended the strong collaborations between BECO and Berom groups in North America and other parts of the world. While highlighting some challenges, he stressed the need for strategic synergy, unity, and an end to unhealthy rivalries, envisioning a BECO that will be globally relevant.
The conference featured insightful paper presentations by distinguished Berom scholars.

Prof. Dung Pam Sha, Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies, presented a paper titled “Exploring the Synergy Between Berom Socio-Cultural Organizations and the Traditional Council to Promote Unity and Development.” He emphasized that synergy and partnership are critical to the survival and progress of the Berom Nation, lamenting the absence of coordinated structures among recognized Berom organizations.
“The task of developing the Berom Nation requires collective effort. Synergy will strengthen legitimacy and enhance the relevance of our organizations,” he said.

Another paper was presented by Dr. Daniel Kim, titled “BECO 1980 to Date: Evolution, Relevance and Challenges.” He underscored the need for the Berom to pursue a sound political, economic, social, and cultural agenda with measurable targets, timelines, and regular evaluation. He challenged prominent Berom personalities to mentor emerging leaders and live impactful lives.

In his goodwill message, His Royal Highness Da Paul Tadi Tok, Gwom Rwey (District Head) Heipang Barkin Ladi Local Government Area commended BECO for organizing a laudable and timely event focused on providing solutions to challenges confronting the Berom people. He urged all recognized Berom organizations to work in unity and in the collective interest of the Berom Nation. He urged BECO to sustain the initiative.

Other speakers also lauded the initiative and emphasized the need to establish a sustainable funding model to drive the development agenda of the Berom Nation. They all underscored the importance of prioritizing the collective interest of the Berom Nation. They all underscored the importance of prioritizing the collective interest of the Berom Nation.

The conference concluded with interactive and expository sessions, where participants exchanged ideas on strategic interventions for the advancement of BECO and the Berom Nation.