Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute Sets Up Committee Ahead of Abuja Launch
Preparations are gathering momentum for the launch of the Solomon and Mary Lar Institute for Leadership, following the inauguration of a Central Planning Committee to coordinate activities ahead of the event.
The institute is scheduled to be formally launched on October 27, 2026, in Abuja, with former House of Representatives member Bimbo Daramola appointed to lead the planning committee.
The committee was inaugurated in Abuja as part of efforts to ensure that all arrangements for the launch are properly coordinated.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting, Beni Lar, Director of Operations at the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation, explained that the institute was established to encourage responsible leadership, strengthen democratic values and promote good governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to her, the initiative is also designed to preserve the leadership ideals associated with the late Chief Solomon Lar, while passing those values on to younger generations.
She described Solomon Lar as a leader who placed people at the centre of governance and believed in serving citizens irrespective of their background.
Developing a New Generation of Leaders
The institute is expected to go beyond preserving the memory of the former political leader. Its broader objective is to provide opportunities for learning, mentorship and leadership development.
Beni Lar noted that values such as integrity, honesty, compassion, commitment and concern for the people need to become stronger features of public and private life, particularly among those holding political positions.
She said the institute could become an important platform for developing human capacity and preparing young Nigerians and Africans to take up leadership responsibilities.
The foundation has also identified poor leadership as one of the challenges affecting many African societies, making leadership development an important part of the institute’s mission.
Daramola Pledges Commitment
Speaking after his appointment, Bimbo Daramola expressed appreciation to the Lar family for entrusting him with the responsibility of coordinating the planning committee.
Daramola, who served in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, described his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.
He praised the vision behind the institute and said it presented an opportunity to connect the experiences and values of previous generations with the aspirations of future leaders.
According to him, Solomon Lar’s approach to leadership, particularly his emphasis on putting the interests of ordinary people ahead of political personalities, remains relevant to Nigeria today.
He described the late politician as a person known for humility, selflessness and compassion, adding that these qualities could help shape a better generation of leaders if they are deliberately encouraged among young people.
Looking Beyond the Launch
With the planning committee now in place, attention will turn to preparations for the October launch and the programmes that will follow.
The Solomon and Mary Lar Institute for Leadership is expected to serve as a platform for leadership education, mentorship and the promotion of democratic principles.
Its organisers believe that investing in leadership development and encouraging young people to embrace values such as integrity and service can contribute to stronger institutions and better governance in Nigeria and beyond.
The October 27 launch will therefore mark an important step in the foundation’s effort to transform the leadership ideals associated with Solomon and Mary Lar into a lasting programme for future generations.