By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Culture they say is the way of life of a people. Culture basically encompasses the dressing, food, music, folklore, language, norms and values, superstitions, traditions , history among other things that differentiates one tribe from another.
The Nzem Berom in Diaspora under the umbrella of the Berom Community Association in Abuja are not left out as a people with a rich cultural heritage.
Over the weekend, Berom sons and daughters resident in the Federal Capital Territory lit up the city with their various cultural display of masquerades, dresses ,and traditional apparels to make a statement to the world that the Beroms of the Plateau desent have what it takes to take Nigeria’s tourism and culture to the global space.
And also as a basket of peace and unity
The Beroms say they use their culture as a unifying factor to hold their own together all over the world.
Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam, a Berom son speaking with Daybreak at the occasion of the Nzem Berom , Abuja festive display and Fund Raising of Lala Berom Abuja said that historically the Beroms of the Plateau are known for their unique cultural heritage.
According to Rev. Pam culture is a strong instrument to douche the challenge of insecurity in the country.
He said, ‘ But if we can have it this way the cultural festivals can be used to unite us which is the opposite of hate. Culture can also be used as a lesson to learn from each other and celebrate and bring back unity to Nigeria.”
History will never
be forgotten if people maintain their culture and their roots, he maintained.
According to him, the Plateau people have about 52 languages with unique cultures which binds the communities together.
Speaking on religious hostilities in the country the NCPC boss opined that Nigerians must learn how to tolerate all religions for the purpose of peaceful co- existence.
Plateau State Governor , Hon. Simon Bako Lalong represented by the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang noted that the Beroms hinge their culture on love, oneness and unity showcasing their heritage to the world.
According to him, this explains their peaceful co- existence with the Fulani overtime.
The believe that all humans are created by God based on his purpose remains the guiding principles of the Beroms’ relationship with their neighbors, Lalong emphasized. President of Berom Community, Abuja ,
Engineer David Dong said that the Nzem Berom , Abuja festive display and Fund Raising of Lala Berom Abuja 2022 is a replicate of what is done back home, it is an event organized by their sons and daughters anywhere they are observe festivals that ushers in harmony, peace and the beginning of the farming season. It also brings inter communal relationship with their neighbors for peace, harmony and development
The festival, Dong said is usually done all over the world wherever the Beroms reside.