Amanze Chinonye
The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has expressed regret over remarks he made during a recent television interview following the attempted attack on the institute, saying he never intended to accuse the Berom people or associate them with any organised militia, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a letter dated July 6 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, Omotayo apologised for the misunderstanding generated by his comments and appealed for calm among all stakeholders.
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According to NIPSS, the Director-General explained that his comments were made while responding to questions during a rapidly evolving security situation and merely referenced reports and speculations already in the public domain.
He stressed that he neither intended to attribute responsibility for the attempted attack on the institute to the Berom people nor suggest the existence of any organised militia linked to the ethnic group.
Omotayo conveyed his sincere apology to the Berom Nation for any unintended offence or distress his remarks may have caused and appealed to the Gbong Gwom Jos to convey his message of goodwill and reconciliation to the Berom people.
The NIPSS Director-General reaffirmed his profound respect for the Berom Nation, describing the community as one of the institute’s principal host communities and a longstanding partner in promoting peace and national development.
He noted that NIPSS has, over the years, maintained a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Berom community, founded on trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and national development.
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Highlighting efforts to strengthen ties with host communities, Omotayo said that, under his leadership, the institute has continued to implement several community-focused initiatives, including annual summer coaching programmes for students, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mentorship programmes in selected secondary schools, support for girl-child education and empowerment, as well as the execution of community-impact projects.
He said the initiatives reflected the institute’s belief that the wellbeing of its host communities is inseparable from its success and stability.
The Director-General appealed to residents and other 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 the institute.
He reiterated NIPSS’ commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement with all its host communities, while assuring that the institute would continue to support initiatives that foster unity, security and sustainable development.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
