NIPSS Director General Writes To Jos Monarch, Expresses Regret Over Remarks, Appeals For Calm

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The Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has written to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressing his profound regret over the misunderstanding arising from remarks he made during a recent television interview following the attempted attack on the Institute.

In the letter, written by Dr Osime Samuel, Head, Public Affairs, NIPSS, Professor Omotayo clarified that, while responding to questions on a rapidly evolving security situation, he merely alluded to reports and speculations that were already in the public domain.

He further explained that he neither intended to attribute responsibility for the incident to the Berom people nor to suggest the existence of any organised militia associated with the Berom Nation.

The Director General conveyed his sincere apologies to the Berom Nation for the unintended offence and distress his remarks may have caused and appealed to His Royal Majesty to convey his message of goodwill and reconciliation to the Berom people.

Professor Omotayo reaffirmed his profound respect for the Berom Nation and acknowledged the invaluable role the Berom people have continued to play as one of the principal host communities of the Institute. He noted that NIPSS has, over the years, enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Berom community, founded on trust, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and national development.

The Director General also recalled that, under his leadership, the Institute has continued to implement several community-focused initiatives designed to improve opportunities for young people and strengthen relationships with host communities. These include 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.
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He emphasised that these initiatives reflect his enduring belief that the wellbeing of the host communities is inseparable from the success and stability of the Institute.

Professor Omotayo appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of heightening tensions while the relevant security agencies continue their investigations into the attempted attack on the Institute.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of NIPSS 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.