Professor Ayo Omotayo, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), held a meeting with the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, on Tuesday. Accompanied by his management team, Omotayo sought to address the fallout from his previous remarks regarding the Berom community.
The controversy stemmed from a media interview where Omotayo suggested that a militia group existed within the Berom tribe following a security incident at the institute. The statement led to significant backlash across Plateau State. During his visit to the traditional ruler, the Director-General clarified that he had no intention to insult or demean the Berom people.
Addressing the monarch, Omotayo expressed his commitment to regional peace and stability. He offered a formal apology for the distress his words caused, emphasizing that the interpretation of his comments was unintentional. He further promised that NIPSS would prioritize youth empowerment in the host community and collaborate with security forces to prevent future incidents.
Speaking for the Gbong Gwom, Mr. Dachollom Jambol, head of the Berom Elders Forum, acknowledged the visit but insisted that a thorough, official investigation into the security breach at the institute is necessary. He stated that the community would reserve further comment until the facts are formally established by a government-appointed panel.
