In a grand ceremony held on Sunday, October 1st 2023, the Berom Progressive Minds (BPM), a group of professionals hailing from the Berom community, formally inaugurated their newly elected executives who will lead the organization for the next three years. The newly appointed executive council, led by Dr. Samuel Kwis, a renowned cancer advocate and consultant radiation and clinical oncologist from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), has taken up the mantle of leadership.
In his welcoming remarks the Convener of the group, Da Gyang Dudu, a retired top Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service and President of the Berom Apex Organization, Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) appreciated Members for running with the vision of the group. He took time give a holistic insight into the reason behind the establishment of the group and some of the programmes and activities it has been able to undertaken with a view to engender greater unity and development of the Berom Nation, Plateau State, Nigeria and the World at large.
He disclosed that the group will not relent but continue to make more purposely impact.
He urged Members to be more committed and demonstrate true patriotism in order to achieve the overall mandate of the group. He said the event was to officially inaugurate the first elected Executives of the group and to celebrate its Members who won elective positions and those appointed into various political offices.
Da Dudu charged those elected and appointed not to disappoint the group but be good Ambassadors and make it proud. He appreciated the Mutfwang-led administration for finding Members of the group competent and worthy to be appointed to serve in his government assuring him that they are trusted and capable to deliver creditably well.
In his remarks, the outgoing National Coordinator, Hon. Pamson Dagyat appreciated the Members for the support accorded him throughout his tenure.
He reeled out some achievements made under his administration which he said brought about tremendous impacts to the Berom Nation and said that wouldn’t have been possible without they got from members. He said the group was able to undertake several humanitarian interventions that ameliorate the sufferings and plights of victims of attacks across the Berom Nation.
“Though our Administrator was not without its highs and lows, we were able to record remarkable progress and I pray the incoming Executives consolidate on our gains and do more.
“BPM has extended a helping hand to victims of terrorist attacks in various areas of Berom land, including Barkin Ladi, Jol in Riyom, and parts of Jos South. Food items and clothing were provided to these affected individuals. “BPM collaborated with organizations like the Stefanos Foundation and other NGOs to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons in Berom land. Palliatives were also given to widows and vulnerable individuals in Chuwelyap Congo Russia.
“In 2016, BPM provided significant relief materials to the people of Southern Kaduna.
“BPM has sponsored the education of children affected by terrorism, ensuring they can continue their studies.
BPM has rescued numerous trafficked children from communities like Tahoss and Hoss, both in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These children were reunited with their families, and BPM provided sponsorship for their artisan skills development.
BPM has sourced and donated wheelchairs to victims who have been left crippled by the terror attacks” he said
According to him BPM organized a medical outreach program in Hoss and Riyom, donated mattresses and clothing.
He went further to laud the successfully conducted of the first election of the group which he said was without any cases of over-voting or petitions.
While presenting Certificates of return to the Dr. Sam Kwis-led Executives, Pharm. Kaneng Pwol the Electoral Committee Chairperson acknowledged what she termed the remarkable dedication and enthusiasm displayed by all members throughout the election which was conducted electronically and Online in August, 2023. She averred that the commitment, active participation and unwavering support for the which led to the huge success recorded during the election are a testament to the strength and vitality of BPM.
She stated that “the collective spirit we have witnessed during this election reflects the deep-rooted passion we all share for the growth of Berom land”
She admonished the new Executives to be be guided by the motto of the group which is “Yaga Renuyel Vwel Mot” (for the progress of our land).
Speaking on behalf of the new Executives shortly after their Inauguration, Dr. Samuel Kwis appreciated the Members for finding them worthy to serve as their leaders and promised not to derail from the vision of the group.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of individuals. Your support and cooperation will be instrumental in our collective success. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and determination, as we work hand in hand to achieve greatness” he hinted.
He declared that in order to hit the ground running from day one as an Executive Council, they will work to ensure that the strategic plan document of BPM comes to fruition.
He applauded the Electoral Committee for its ingenuity in the maiden elections of the group which brought them on board to serve.
Goodwill messages came from the Senate Minority Leader Sen. Simon Mwadkwon who had the representation of Dr. Chomo Datiyi, Plateau State Commissioner of Transport Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, the Executive Chairman Plateau State Internal Revenue Service Hon. Jim Pam Wayas, Pharm. Chun John Ezekiel of the Abuja Liaison Directorate who was represented by Hon. Rondong Wash Pam, Da Stephen James Pam, Barr. Samson Chuwang Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Dagwom Dang PhD Member College of Education Gindiri Visiting Panel and Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot Member School of Nursing Vom Visiting Panel who appreciated the group for the reception in their honour and promised to be good Ambassadors in their respective Offices. They said they will not disappoint the group but justify their appointments with optimal performance.
Among those sworn in were Barr. Samson Chuwang as Administrator 1, Rex Cheng Administrator 2, Friday Bako Financial Secretary, Rebecca Shon Treasurer and Tok Morgan Publicity Secretary.
Highlights of the event were live performance by some Berom Artistes, presentation of commendation/congratulatory letter to the outgoing Executives and political Appointees.
The event held at Greatlinks Continental Suites Gold and Base Jos, Plateau State Capital and was well attended by Members of the group, their Family Members and Friends.
Nigeria’s women’s wrestling national team coach, Akuh Purity has started appreciation to the sport’s top brass in the country for opportunities they keep creating for the nation’s top stars to compete in international competitions.
Sports247 reports that Purity issued the appreciation while leading out four grapplers to Mongolia for the 2026 World Wrestling 3rd Ranking Series, which he said helps Nigeria to continue spreading its presence globally.
Purity thanked Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) president, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for making the trip possible, pointing out that the top administrator covered all arrangements for the team that travelled out on Monday night.
The team comprises Genesis Mercy Miesinnei (50kg), Ogunsanya Christianah Tolulope (53kg), Kolawole Esther Omolayo (62kg) and Ojo Damola Hannah (76kg), who the NWF technical committee chairman believes will all excel.
“I want to, on behalf of the athletes and entire wrestling community, express our profound appreciation to the president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment to the welfare of Nigerian wrestlers.
“His contribution continues to create opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level and showcase Nigeria’s talent on the global stage,” said Purity, who added that the team’s primary objective in Mongolia is to earn ranking points.
Sports247 gathered that picking enough ranking points will help each of the wrestlers establish their world standings and secure top seedings heading into the World Wrestling Championships.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that the 2026 oil and gas licensing round will commence by the third quarter of 2026, following approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday after a visit by Meren Energy, formerly Africa Oil, to its headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, NUPRC Chief Executive Officer, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, announced the timeline while receiving the delegation.
“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the 2026 Licensing Round will commence latest by Q3 2026, having received the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act,” the statement said.
Mrs Eyesan expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing 2025 Licensing Round, noting that the commercial bid phase is scheduled for July, after which preparations for the next round would begin.
A licensing round is a competitive process through which governments allocate oil and gas exploration and production rights to companies.
2025 licensing round
The announcement comes months after the NUPRC, under its former Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, launched the 2025 licensing round, which took effect from 1 December 2025.
At the launch, Mr Komolafe said the commission was focused on addressing funding constraints in the upstream sector by improving collaboration among stakeholders.
“One of the factors that affected business is that activities were happening in silos, but the NUPRC now realises the need to bring everyone together,” he said.
As part of preparations for the 2025 exercise, the commission in January invited global energy investors, upstream operators, financial institutions and strategic partners to a webinar ahead of the bid process.
In March, the NUPRC announced the completion of the pre-qualification stage, enabling successful applicants to access and lease relevant geological and technical data required for technical and commercial bid submissions.
“With the pre-qualification stage now successfully completed, the Commission will, from today, March 17, 2026, permit successful applicants to lease data in preparation for the technical and commercial bid submissions,” the commission said at the time.
The regulator added that applicants would only be allowed to source data from approved channels and must provide evidence of payment before submitting bids.
‘Attractive investment destination’
Speaking on Wednesday, Mrs Eyesan said increased participation in the 2025 licensing round reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
She attributed this to rising investments, improved production levels and reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We are also fortunate that the President and Minister of Petroleum Resources have approved the 2026 Licensing Round,” she said.
“So, we are in the process of finalising the 2026 launch which will happen latest by the third quarter. So, this is the make-or-break point, and we want to make sure we make it.”
Also speaking, Meren Energy Group CEO, Oliver Quinn, said reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector have encouraged the company to expand its investments and participate more actively in asset acquisitions and licensing opportunities.
Mr Quinn said Nigeria remains Meren Energy’s top investment destination in Africa.
“We have operated in Agbami, Akpo and Egina world-class fields. I think till date, in 20 years, about $11 billion in capital from our side has gone into these assets, and about $4 billion has gone to tax and royalties,” he said.
“Nigeria remains the core of our business today because of the quality of these assets.”
According to him, the company is encouraging its partners to deepen investments in existing assets to boost production.
Mr Quinn also said Meren Energy was the first company in Nigeria to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery and would continue to meet its Domestic Crude Supply Obligation, provided commercial terms remain favourable.