BECO GENERAL CONGRESS RECORDS HISTORIC ATTENDANCE, CALLS FOR UNITY AND RENEWED DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
The Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) has held its 2026 General Congress with what participants described as a record-breaking attendance in the history of the organization, bringing together Berom sons and daughters from all the fourteen districts of Berom land.
The Congress, held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Basel Event Centre, Dong, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, attracted a large gathering of traditional leaders, community stakeholders, professionals, representatives of Berom organizations and members of the general public.
Commencing with a word of prayer by Fr. Daniel Gyang, the Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s parish Hwolshe at about 11:45am.
The unprecedented turnout was widely seen as a demonstration of the renewed interest of the Berom people in the affairs of their apex educational and cultural organization and in the collective future of the Berom nation.
BECO President Highlights Achievements
Addressing Congress, the BECO President Worldwide and 1st Vice President of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), Da Gyang Dudu Dalyop, outlined a number of achievements recorded under his leadership.
Among the accomplishments highlighted were the revitalization of BECO Comprehensive High School, Kwi, and efforts towards the construction of the long-abandoned Lala Berom at the famous Jos Museum, a project regarded as significant to the preservation and promotion of Berom history and cultural heritage.
He also highlighted the projection of the Berom nation on the global stage through BECO’s participation at the BCNA Convention and the BECO UK Branch Cultural Day.
According to him, another landmark achievement was the historic presentation of the Berom Bible at the British Museum of History, which he described as an important milestone in the preservation and international recognition of Berom heritage.
Other achievements listed by the President included support for Berom PhD students, assistance to some Berom entrepreneurs, provision of solar streetlights at Wereng village, and the successful hoisting of the Berom language on Wikipedia.
Da Gyang Dudu also pointed to BECO’s rapid response to hostilities directed against Berom communities, including a petition to the Office of the National Security Adviser over continuing attacks on Berom communities by terrorist elements.
He further disclosed that BECO had petitioned the Plateau State Government on issues relating to chieftaincy and traditional matters in Berom land, while continuing its sensitization campaigns among Berom communities on the dangers of illegal mining and its negative consequences, particularly for the younger generation.
President Raises Concern Over Internal Rivalry
Despite the achievements recorded, the BECO President expressed concern over what he described as unhealthy rivalry among sister Berom organizations.
He specifically mentioned tensions involving the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM) and the Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA), which he attributed partly to the influence of some members of the Berom Elders Council (BEC).
Da Gyang Dudu alleged that some elders had, on several occasions, attempted to rewrite the history of BECO, including efforts to change its name and portray the organization as a problem to the Berom nation.
He called for an end to such divisions, stressing that the strength of the Berom people lies in their ability to work together despite differences.
College of Education Technical
The BECO President also narrated what he described as efforts by the traditional council that nearly frustrated the establishment of a College of Education Technical, an initiative he said would have provided the Berom people with a comparative advantage among their peers.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to support initiatives capable of expanding educational and economic opportunities for Berom youths.
BECO’s Financial Sustainability
Da Gyang Dudu further expressed concern over the financial challenges confronting BECO, noting that the organization had become increasingly incapacitated due to the absence of viable ventures capable of generating sustainable revenue.
He therefore reiterated the need to put the abandoned Kasuwa Nama to productive use, stressing that such an asset should not remain fallow when it could contribute to the financial sustainability of the apex Berom organization.
Congress Calls for Unity and Economic Empowerment
In their various contributions, speakers at the Congress unanimously called for greater unity among Berom organizations and stakeholders.
One participant urged BECO to identify and harness economic opportunities across Berom land, particularly through the collection of legitimate revenue from local markets, including the cattle market and markets for agricultural produce.
Another speaker called for greater collaboration among all Berom organizations to enable the people to confront contemporary challenges collectively rather than individually.
The overall consensus of Congress was that the Berom people must put aside unhealthy rivalry and join hands in building an enviable nation capable of attracting admiration and respect from others.
Traditional Council Clarifies Relationship with Berom Organizations
Representing the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, the Gwom Rwey of Vwang, Da Gyang Balak, clarified the relationship between the traditional council and Berom organizations.
He explained that the role of the traditional council in relation to Berom organizations was essentially advisory and did not constitute an obstruction to the smooth running of the organizations.
On the ongoing issue involving the traditional council and the Plateau State Government concerning the creation of districts and chiefdoms, the royal father expressed optimism, saying there was “hope in despair.”
He disclosed that the Plateau State Government had given an assurance that the matter would be reviewed in the interest of all parties.
Five-Member Electoral Committee Adopted
In another major development, Congress adopted the nomination of a five-member Electoral Committee to plan and oversee the transition process.
The committee comprises:
Ngo Veronica Vou Dachomo
Da Gyang Sunday John Mwanchong
Mr Timothy Jok
Hon. Idris Yahaya Aboro
Hon. Dalyop Choji
The adoption of the committee is expected to pave the way for the commencement of the transition process in accordance with the organization’s established procedures. Recall this present EXCO’s tenure is expected to terminate in May, 2027.
Goodwill Messages
The Congress also received goodwill messages from prominent Berom stakeholders, including the General Manager of Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTV), Ms Rita Kachollom Pam; the Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung; the General Manager of Plateau Express Service Ltd., Hon. Samuel Gwott; and Hon. Chundusu Daniel.
Royal greetings were also received from the Gwom Kabong, Da Engr. Emmanuel Nyam Pam Pogo, and the Gwom Dong, Da Daniel Danka.
A New Chapter for the Berom Nation
The 2026 BECO General Congress ended on a strong note of unity, with participants emphasizing the need for collective action, economic empowerment, educational advancement, cultural preservation and the protection of Berom communities.
The historic attendance, coupled with the robust discussions and broad representation from the fourteen districts of Berom land, underscored the importance attached to BECO and its role in shaping the collective aspirations of the Berom people.
Participants departed the Congress with a renewed commitment to work together towards building a stronger, more united and economically sustainable Berom nation.
Delivering vote of thanks on behalf of the central planning committee, Da Prof D.D. Nyam who served as Chairamn, appreciated BECO executive for founding the committee worthy to serve in this capacity, he congratulated the Berom nation for coming out en masse for the Congress meeting which yielded laudable achievements. He thanked specially the G.M of PRTV, Ms Rita Kachollom Pam for airing all the jingles both on radio and TV as her contribution, Hon. Chundusu Daniel for supplying all the table water at the event, and also BECO Dong branch for securing the venue for the event.
A communique containing the resolutions and decisions of the Congress is expected to be released at a later date.
Hon Yakubu Chollom Chocho moved for the adjournment of the meeting.
The Congress came to a close with prayer by Da Chollom Gyang, BECO Secretary General at about 3:30pm
Rex Cheng
Admin BECO.
