Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute: Central Planning Committee Begins Nationwide Consultations

The Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute has commenced nationwide consultations ahead of the formal launch of the institute scheduled for November.

The committee, chaired by Congressman Bimbo Daramola, held a strategic meeting with former Federal Permanent Secretary and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Sweden, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, as part of efforts to mobilise support and advance preparations for the launch.

Ambassador Igali, who hails from Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta, is widely recognised for his contributions to national development, peacebuilding and the promotion of understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities.

He also succeeded the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, as Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

The meeting provided an opportunity for Ambassador Igali to reflect on the legacies of the late former Governor of Plateau State and elder statesman, Chief Solomon Lar, and his wife, Mama Mary Lar.

Describing the establishment of the leadership institute in their honour as a timely and important initiative, Ambassador Igali recalled Chief Solomon Lar’s commitment to democracy and national development.

He particularly cited Chief Lar’s role in the pro-democracy movement and his courage in confronting military rule in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, there are few Nigerians who lived lives of such profound commitment to the country as Chief Solomon Lar, noting that his legacy remains relevant to the nation’s search for purposeful and transformative leadership.

Ambassador Igali, described as a repository of Nigeria’s political history, stressed the need for Nigerians to remain committed to building a leadership culture capable of changing the country’s development trajectory.

He pledged his support to the Central Planning Committee and expressed his willingness to contribute to the success of the forthcoming launch.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Congressman Bimbo Daramola, thanked Ambassador Igali for the warm reception and the fruitful discussions, describing the engagement as an important step in the preparations for the launch of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute.