Abuja: A Central Planning Committee (CPC) has been inaugurated to oversee preparations for the formal launch of the Solomon and Mary Lar Institute for Leadership scheduled for Oct. 27 in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CPC, chaired by Mr. Bimbo Daramola, was inaugurated on Monday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Beni Lar, Director of Operations at the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation, emphasized that the institute aims to promote democratic values and good leadership at all levels of governance in Africa. She stated that the institute would champion initiatives to deepen democracy and promote good governance in Nigeria, in line with the ideals exemplified by the late Solomon Lar.
Lar highlighted Solomon Lar’s legacy as a democratic leader, known for his inclusive approach and dedication to the people, drawing comparisons to leaders like Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln. She pointed out that bad leadership remains a significant challenge in Africa, and the institute seeks to address this by fostering a new generation of selfless leaders.
The institute will serve as a center for preserving Solomon and Mary Lar’s legacies while teaching and mentoring young leaders. Lar stressed the importance of instilling virtues such as integrity, honesty, compassion, dedication, and love for the people in both public and private life in Nigeria. The institute is envisioned as a model for learning and human capacity building.
Beni Lar urged committee members to work diligently to ensure the successful launch of the institute. The committee chairman, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, expressed gratitude to the Lar family for their trust in him, acknowledging the humbling nature of the role.
Daramola, a former member of the House of Representatives, pledged to work towards a successful launch and praised the vision behind the institute, describing it as an opportunity to connect the past with the future. He emphasized the importance of transferring the late Solomon Lar’s passion for nation-building to the next generation.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Daramola noted Solomon Lar’s selflessness, humility, and compassion as virtues that, if embraced by future leaders, could significantly benefit the country. He recounted his interactions with Lar and other leaders in 1999, highlighting Lar’s prioritization of the people over political personalities.