The Nzem Berom Festival 2025 concluded recently and was a vibrant and significant celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Berom people in Plateau State, Nigeria. The festival held on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, in Jos. The Nzem Berom Festival showcased the traditions, artistry, and unity of the Berom nation.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Prowess, Gallantry, and Resilience of Berom Women: Past and Present,” placed a well-deserved spotlight on the vital roles and contributions of Berom women throughout history and in contemporary society. The festival served as a powerful tribute to their strength, cultural preservation efforts, and contributions to the progress of the community and the nation.
The Nzem Berom Festival has been an annual event since 1981. It originated from the amalgamation of several traditional Berom festivals. Agricultural and hunting cycles, such as Mandyeng, Nshok, and Badu. This unification aimed to preserve the Berom socio-cultural practices and foster greater unity among the various Berom communities.
The 2025 edition commenced with spiritual invocations and a royal proclamation, setting a tone of reverence and tradition. The Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos provided a colourful backdrop, adorned in the traditional red, green, and black colours of the Berom people. Attendees witnessed a diverse array of cultural performances, including traditional dances and music. These vividly portrayed the history and customs of the Berom. Art exhibitions further highlighted the creativity and heritage of the community.
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A FESTIVAL OF DEEP HERITAGE
Numerous dignitaries graced the festival. The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, attended. He emphasized the importance of unity in diversity for the state’s prosperity. He also acknowledged the Berom people’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. Also, he highlighted ongoing infrastructural development in Beromland. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, was represented by Hajiya Fati Abba, who lauded the festival as a captivating celebration of Berom cultural wealth and commended the contributions of Berom women to nation-building. The Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, welcomed the attendees and reaffirmed the Berom Nation’s dedication to hospitality and peace.
A significant aspect of the festival was the homage paid to Berom women. The theme was woven into various activities, recognizing their roles as unifiers, home builders, and agents of societal transformation. Transformation in fields such as education, politics, civil service, security, and business. The Gbong Gwom Jos bestowed the honorary title “De Teyei” (meaning “a caring mother”) on deserving women. This was in recognition of their outstanding maternal and social support.
The festival also provided a platform for showcasing traditional Berom cuisine. Attendees savoured delicacies like Tere, Nama Dyara, and Gbwirik Chun. The traditional attire worn by participants, predominantly in green and maroon colours symbolizing the cacti and the regional powder “tee” respectively, added to the visual splendour of the event.
Calls were made for greater national and international recognition of the Nzem Berom Festival. This is due to its cultural significance and vibrancy, with proponents arguing that it deserves to be ranked among globally recognized cultural events.
In conclusion, the Nzem Berom Festival 2025 was a resounding success. It effectively celebrated the heritage, unity, and particularly the resilience and contributions of Berom women. It served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural identity and fostering unity within the diverse tapestry of Nigeria.