THE BEROMS: ZARA, THE LEGENDARY FEMALE WARRIOR, LOVED AND RESPECTED BY HER PEOPLE RECEIVES WIDE OVATION AT THE 2024 NZEM BEROM FESTIVAL

Zara making her entry into the Nzem Berom Cultural Festival

The Beroms are widely reported as the largest autochthonous ethnic group in Plateau State, North Central part of Nigeria. They are also reported as the first ethnic group to settle on the Jos Plateau. The Beroms who are predominantly Christians, are like most other ethnic groups in Plateau state reputed remarkably as farmers. They are people of integrity and reliable character, known and respected, criticized and sometimes envied. They strongly belief and commit to the affairs of their Homeland lovingly, and in addition to this relate cordially among themselves and with others too. This in the Beroms is clearly an indication of their peaceful, loving and caring nature, a testimony of their friendly and hospitable disposition. These noble attributes of the Beroms also reveal them and their immediate door co-natives or indigenous ethnic nationalities hosting other visitors in Jos, as great hosts. Jos has continuously witnessed huge presence of indigenous natives of Plateau state, and numerous other ethnic nationalities of Nigeria and other parts of the globe that converge in Jos, the Plateau state capital for various activities either as guests or residents.

Nigerian Natives and nationals of so many countries are seen on regular basis either as residents or visitors in Jos, conducting their activities cheerfully, confidently and freely without any fear of attack, abuse or molestation from the Beroms or other indigenous natives, indeed with the support and co-operation of the natives in most cases. In terms of culture, the Beroms are admired and celebrated for their rich cultural heritage, tradition and orientation, in view of which Plateau state is dubbed the home of Peace and Tourism. In many other spheres of human endeavors the Beroms have proven success records.

From ancient history, the Beroms are reputed as people with independent mind and thinking, bold and assertive; thus, it is not surprising that the Berom ethnic nationality have remarkable history of warriors, among who is a female, brave and legendary, documented as Zara.

According to the reports, Zara was known far and wide, loved and respected in the entire Berom Kingdom, and accorded recognition for her unwavering bravery, combat skills and legendary war exploits. Beyond these, Zara was highly reputed and referenced for her astonishing beauty, unique war dressing and elegance. Her sword, the report observed “was crafted by the finest blacksmith in Berom land, gleamed in sunlight, a symbol of her unparalleled prowess in the battle field”. To complete the cycle in this regard the report noted “was her shining armor, intricately designed, and adorned with feathers from the rarest birds in the kingdom”, which were obviously intentionally made to suit fittingly, and effectively the systematically decorated, beautifully prepared war outfits of the icon, the beautiful, legendary female warlord, Zara of Berom Kingdom.

As a mark of honour, celebration and recognition, the Berom Kingdom has made it almost a duty to feature regularly as part of the activities marking the annual Nzem Berom Cultural Festival, a parade, convoy or procession that signals Zara’s arrival, entry into the festival arena, and her acceptance by the people. The expression of joy and happiness by the people for Zara’s exploits and contributions to Berom kingdom is noteworthy, nostalgic and inspiring.

The above scenario played out clearly the moment Zara’s arrival was announced during the 2024 annual Nzem Berom Cultural Festival. The deafening high level ovation, hearty cheers and as a matter of fact uncontrollable excitement that heralded the announcement of Zara’s arrival into the 2024 annual Nzem Berom Cultural Festival was glaringly a testimony of who Zara was to the people of Berom, the level of honour that the Land accords her and the extent she was and is still revered. Suffice to say that people from all corners of Berom kingdom gathered for the annual festival in 2024 to witness, receive, honour and celebrate Zara's presence; in addition to other activities of the Nzem Berom Cultural Festival.

The Beroms are united in their narrative that despite Zara’s fearsome reputation in the battlefield, she was meek, humble and kind hearted. Her degree of attention and generosity towards the less fortunate members of the Land, her love for her people, which they say knew no bounds, and was instrumental to her constant and active disposition of stopping at nothing to protect her kingdom from any threat.

The above are fundamentally some of the distinguishing features and major reason Zara was loved, respected and honoured by majority of Beroms, though, feared and reverenced as a warrior.

Many years after she was gone from the surface of the earth, Zara is still remembered, celebrated and honoured. She will remain so for a long time to come, a huge source of inspiration, motivation and courage to generations unborn. This is an indication that those who serve their society well will always be remembered many years after they have passed to the great beyond.

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we urge the reader to be people oriented and community driven at all times, and to remain faithful, unwavering and committed in your service to the people and community. If you do, we do not habour any trepidation in our conclusion that history will be kind to you...