Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigeria and other African countries to prioritise leadership recruitment, training and development as part of efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Jonathan made the call on Thursday when members of the Central Planning Committee of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute visited him at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja to invite him to chair the public launch of the institute scheduled for November 24, 2026.
The former president stressed the importance of effective leadership to national development, noting that Nigeria needed to review its leadership structures to ensure they delivered greater impact and tangible benefits to citizens.
He urged the country to draw lessons from other democracies by strengthening leadership values and institutions at both the federal and state levels.
Jonathan also cited the 2014 National Conference convened by his administration as one of the initiatives aimed at addressing critical national issues and improving governance.
He expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute, saying its objectives aligned with his foundation’s commitment to mentorship and democratic development.
According to him, the institute has the potential to contribute to strengthening democracy and preparing future leaders for responsible service.
Jonathan also commended the late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar for his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly his role in the struggle against military rule.
He recalled Lar’s leadership of the G-34, a group of prominent Nigerians who challenged the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha and advocated a return to democratic governance.
The former president also praised Lar for resigning from Abacha’s cabinet, where he served as a federal minister, describing him as a courageous statesman and an “Emancipator of the minorities.”
Jonathan equally paid tribute to Professor Mary Lar, the nonagenarian matriarch of the Lar family and founder of the institute, who was part of the delegation.
He described her as an exemplary mother and leader whose vision for the institute would contribute to leadership development and mentorship in Nigeria.
Jonathan, who is internationally recognised for his role in promoting peace and democratic values following his acceptance of defeat in the 2015 presidential election, said initiatives such as the institute could help strengthen democratic institutions and groom leaders committed to public service.
Members of the delegation included former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Dr Philip Salawu; former Director-General of the National Council of Women Societies and former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Mrs Dorgu; Alhaji Abubakar Rimi Jnr; and Hon. Beni Lar, a five-term member of the House of Representatives and daughter of Chief Solomon and Professor Mary Lar.
Others were the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Bimbo Daramola; Mrs Amina Okeke; and Mr Ilya, secretary of the committee.
The November 24 launch is expected to formally introduce the institute and its vision for promoting leadership recruitment, training, mentorship and development in Nigeria.
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