NIPSS DG Apologises to Berom Nation Over TV Remarks, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has formally apologised to the Berom Nation over remarks he made during a recent television interview following the attempted attack on the Institute, saying they were never intended to implicate the Berom people or associate them with any militia group.
In a letter dated Monday, July 6, 2026, and addressed to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Professor Omotayo expressed profound regret over the misunderstanding generated by his comments.
The apology by Professor Omotayo was disclosed on in a statement signed by Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs, NIPSS, Kuru.
Professor Omotayo explained that while responding to questions during the interview on a rapidly unfolding security situation, he merely referred to reports and speculations that were already circulating in the public domain.
The NIPSS Director-General stressed that he neither intended to hold the Berom people responsible for the attempted attack nor suggest the existence of any organised militia linked to the Berom Nation.
Professor Omotayo conveyed his sincere apologies to the Berom people for any unintended offence or distress his remarks may have caused and appealed to the paramount ruler to convey his message of goodwill, reconciliation and respect to the entire Berom Nation.
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Reaffirming his regard for the Berom community, the Director-General acknowledged the critical role the Berom people have continued to play as one of the Institute’s principal host communities.
He noted that NIPSS has enjoyed a long-standing cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Berom community, built on mutual trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace, stability and national development.
Professor Omotayo also highlighted several community development initiatives implemented under his leadership to strengthen the Institute’s relationship with its host communities and improve opportunities for young people.
According to him, the programmes include annual summer coaching classes for students, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mentorship schemes in selected secondary schools, support for girl-child education and empowerment, as well as various community-impact projects.
He said the initiatives demonstrate his conviction that the welfare and development of host communities are inseparable from the continued growth and stability of the Institute.
The Director-General appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from actions or statements capable of escalating tensions while security agencies continue investigations into the attempted attack on NIPSS.
He reiterated the Institute’s unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement with all host communities, assuring that NIPSS would continue to support initiatives that promote unity, security and sustainable development.
By PRNigeria
