Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, the 5th Civilian President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015), will chair the public launch of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute slated for November 24, 2026, in Abuja.
President Jonathan gave his acceptance yesterday when the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the Institute paid him a courtesy visit at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the former President alluded to the centrality of leadership to sustainable growth and development in Nigeria and indeed the African continent.
He noted that the time has come for renewed attention to Nigeria’s leadership recruitment and development process, as well as a review of the leadership structure for greater impact and benefits to the people.
The globally acknowledged statesman, who has become a much sought-after global icon for peace following his historic acceptance of the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election, is widely regarded as an epitome of peace in Africa. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to be more proactive in reforming its leadership construct, structure and values from the sub-nationals to the federal level – a vision which informed his decision to convene the National Conference of 2014.
President Jonathan also paid glowing tribute to one of the patriarchs of the nation, His Excellency Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, former Governor of old Plateau State, recalling his courageous role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He particularly cited Chief Lar’s leadership of the G-34 which presented a letter to the military junta of General Sani Abacha demanding an immediate return to democratic rule, and his uncommon commitment in resigning from Abacha’s cabinet as a Federal Minister.
He described the late Chief Lar as the “Emancipator” of minorities.
The former President had very warm words for the matriarch of the Lar family, Her Excellency, Mama Professor Mary Lar, the nonagenarian visioner of the Institute, who was physically present as part of the delegation.
He noted that the vision of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute aligns with the mentorship framework of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, and will fit into the broader matrix of civil society structures needed to deepen democratic growth in Nigeria.
President Jonathan expressed delight at his nomination as Chairman of the public launch and personally conveyed his acceptance.
The delegation was led by Congressman Bimbo Daramola,who is the Chairman, Central Planning Committee*
Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute
Among the dignitaries on the delegation were :
Chief Dr. Philip Salawu, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State; Dr. Mrs. Dorgu, former DG, National Council for Women Societies and former Member, House of Representatives; Abubakar Rimi Jnr; Rt. Hon. Beni Lar, fifth-term Member, House of Representatives and daughter of Baba Solomon and Mama Mary Lar; Mrs. Amina Okeke; Mr. Ilya, Secretary of the Committee, among others.
The public launch of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute comes up on Monday, November 24, 2026, in Abuja.