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, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, expressing regret over remarks he made during a recent television interview and appealing to the paramount ruler to convey his apology to the Berom Nation.
In a letter dated Monday, July 6, 2026, Professor Omotayo said his comments, made while responding to questions following the attempted attack on the Institute, merely referred to reports and speculations that were already in the public domain and were never intended to accuse the Berom people or suggest the existence of an organised Berom militia.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, the Director-General expressed sincere apologies for the unintended offence and distress his remarks may have caused members of 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,” the statement said.
Professor Omotayo reaffirmed his respect for the Berom Nation, acknowledging the community’s longstanding role as one of the Institute’s principal host communities and commending its contributions to peace, cooperation and national development.
He noted that NIPSS had continued to strengthen its relationship with host communities through programmes such as annual summer coaching for students, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mentorship initiatives in selected secondary schools, girl-child education and empowerment programmes, as well as community-impact projects.
The Director-General said the initiatives reflected his conviction that the wellbeing and development of host communities were closely tied to the success and stability of the Institute.
He also appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm and avoid actions or statements capable of escalating tensions while security agencies continue investigations into the attempted attack on the Institute.
Professor Omotayo reiterated NIPSS’ commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement with all its host communities, assuring that the Institute would continue to support initiatives that foster unity, security and sustainable development.
Did he made that statement on paper? Let him go back to the TV Station and tender the apology there. And why is the Director Public Affairs the one who signed the letter?