The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has apologised to the Berom Nation and the people of Plateau State over comments he made during a recent media interview, saying they were misunderstood and did not reflect his intentions.
Prof. Omotayo tendered the apology on Tuesday during a courtesy and peace-building visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, at his palace in Jos.
The meeting was attended by members of the Plateau State Traditional Council, leaders of thought, and prominent members of the Berom Nation.
Addressing the gathering, the NIPSS Director-General clarified that he never intended to blame the Berom people or cast aspersions on any community. He acknowledged that his remarks had been widely misconstrued, resulting in concern and distress.
“I express deep regret over the unintended offence and offer an unreserved apology to His Royal Majesty and the entire Berom Nation,” he said, while seeking understanding and forgiveness.
Prof. Omotayo reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and stability in Plateau State, describing the state as NIPSS’ host community. He highlighted several community-focused initiatives undertaken by the Institute, including educational support programmes, ICT and digital skills training for youths, school mentorship initiatives, and the promotion of girl-child education.
He also disclosed that NIPSS is collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure investigations into recent security incidents in the state are conducted professionally, fairly, and with due respect for the dignity of all communities.
The Director-General appealed to residents and stakeholders to remain calm, avoid inflammatory narratives capable of escalating tensions, and embrace dialogue and collective responsibility as pathways to sustainable peace.
Prof. Omotayo, who was accompanied by members of the NIPSS management and senior officials of the Institute, commended the leadership of the Gbong Gwom Jos and pledged to strengthen engagement with the Berom people to promote trust, inclusion, and social cohesion.
Responding on behalf of the Gbong Gwom Jos, Chairman of the Berom Elders Council, Dr. Dachollom Jambol, welcomed the reconciliation effort and commended the Director-General for the visit.
Dr. Jambol also called on the Plateau State Government to establish an independent panel to investigate the recent attacks in the state, noting that a comprehensive inquiry would help establish the facts, ensure justice for victims, and contribute to lasting peace.