The Wife of Late Chief Solomon Lar, First Civilian Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Mary Lar has called on Nigerians to come together irrespective of tribal and religious differences to support and uphold the values that promote peaceful Coexistence, love and unity in the country.
The former Nigeria Ambassador to Netherlands who spoke at the opening ceremony of a 2-day conference on Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, organised by Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Political Science University of Jos.
The Matriarch while recounting the life and times of the elder statesman at the event said he told her on his death bed to make peace, love and unity in Plateau and Nigeria a priority.
According to her, her husband after a long and happy marriage and following the tragic loss of their son, Lar, while on his deathbed, urged her to spread the message of peace, love, and unity to their community.
She emphasized the importance of instilling values of peace, love, and unity in children from a young age, which she perceived as foundational for a harmonious society.
She shared the story of a seven-year-old student and his understanding of peace, love, and unity, highlighting feelings of safety, happiness, and togetherness within the family and community.
Mrs. Lar said, “Following Solomon’s passing, I felt compelled to honor his last words by establishing a foundation dedicated to promoting these values, which reflects on the significance of respecting the wisdom of elders and the importance of community support.
She expressed gratitude to community leaders and members for their support and emphasized the need for collective efforts to uphold the values of peace, love, and unity.
She also pointed out that the establishment of the foundation is to promote these values which serves as a lasting tribute to Chief Lar while highlighting the collective responsibility of individuals to foster a peaceful and loving environment.
Also speaking the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos Prof Tanko Ishaya represented by the deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Prof. Rahila Gowon commended Mary Lar for championing the establishment of Nomadic education in the country.
She argued that there are many dimension to lack of access to education stressing that Nigeria have the highest number of out of school children.
Gowon further called for the establishment of Nomadic education also in farming communities too in the country.
In his remarks at the event the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven one of Chief Lar tutored political sons described him as an Icon and embodiment of peace, love and unity.
According to Laven, Chief Lar during his reign as Governor, peace, love and unity is always his watchwords.
He encourage Nigerians to continue to promote the legacies of Chief Lar which stand him out as an emancipator who has being in the forefront of the struggle for a better Nigeria without oppression and respect for human dignity.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, said Chief Lar is remembered as a good man who left a lasting legacy in Plateau State and Nigeria with many people identifying with him and his contributions.
He urged the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation to expand its scope beyond family ties to include others who share Lar’s vision, which would help in preserving and growing his legacy.
The governor emphasized the importance of recognizing Mrs. Lar, who is still alive and has made significant contributions as a professional and former ambassador.
He encouraged the Plateau people to turn adversity into strength for growth and unity.
The government of Plateau State pledged financial support of N10 million naira to the Foundation to aid in its ongoing work.
It will be recalled that the Pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Chief Solomon Lar died in 2013 at the age of 80 years.