Widow of the late Chief Solomon Lar, first civilian governor of Plateau State, Prof. Mary Lar, in a recount of her last moments with the elder statesman, said he told her on his sick bed to make peace, love, and unity a priority in Plateau and Nigeria.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands spoke at the opening ceremony of a two-day Conflict Resolution and Peace Building conference organised by the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Political Science and Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies of the University of Jos.
According to her, her late husband, who was often referred to as the “Emancipator”, 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 communities.
She emphasised the importance of instilling the values of peace, love, and unity in children from a young age, which she perceived as the foundation for a harmonious society.
The matriarch also 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 honour 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.
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. Many people identify 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 preserve and grow his legacy.
The governor emphasised the importance of recognising 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 N10 million naira to the foundation to support its ongoing work.
