The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Solomon and Mary Lar Institute for Leadership to promote leadership development, democracy, human rights, peacebuilding and sustainable regional development.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NCDC, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, gave the assurance when a delegation of the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation for Leadership, led by Hon. Beni Lar, daughter of the late Chief Solomon Lar, visited the Commission to present an invitation to the official launch of the Institute scheduled for next month in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Head of Media and Corporate Communications Department of NCDC, Dr. Tsenyil described the late Chief Solomon Lar as a distinguished Nigerian statesman whose contributions to democracy, good governance and the development of Plateau State, Nasarawa State, Benue State and the wider Middle Belt region remained significant.
He noted that the late political leader dedicated himself to public service, democratic advancement and the pursuit of recognition and development for the Middle Belt.
Dr. Tsenyil said the establishment of NCDC represented an important step towards advancing the aspirations of leaders such as Chief Solomon Lar, who advocated regional unity, recognition and development.
He added that the Commission was committed to promoting leadership anchored on accountability, inclusiveness, service and sustainable development.
The NCDC chief executive assured the delegation of the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with the Institute in identifying, nurturing and harnessing leadership potentials across the North Central region.
He, however, observed that despite the region’s abundant human, agricultural, mineral and economic resources, it had yet to fully establish a distinct economic identity capable of driving coordinated growth and development.
He therefore urged the Institute to prioritise the development of responsible and visionary leaders who could harness the region’s diversity, talents and resources for collective prosperity.
Dr. Tsenyil also disclosed that the Commission would soon unveil its Regional Development Plan, which is being developed as a major outcome of its recently concluded Stakeholders Development Summit.
According to him, the plan would provide a strategic framework for coordinated regional development, economic integration and the effective utilisation of the North Central’s resources and opportunities.
Earlier, Hon. Beni Lar congratulated Dr. Tsenyil, members of the Governing Board and the management of NCDC on their appointments, while expressing hope for the successful implementation of the Commission’s mandate.
She described the establishment of NCDC as a fulfilment of the vision of past leaders, including her late father, Chief Solomon Lar, who believed in the unity, recognition and development of the North Central region.
Hon. Lar commended the Commission for organising the Stakeholders Development Summit, describing it as an important platform for bringing stakeholders together to deliberate on regional development priorities.
She also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in initiating and executing projects across the North Central region, emphasising the need for sustained commitment to regional development.
Recalling her father’s legacy, she said Chief Solomon Lar consistently advocated peaceful coexistence, national unity, mutual love and respect among Nigerians before his death.
She explained that the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation had been in existence for ten years, adding that the establishment of the Institute would build on its achievements by providing a structured platform for leadership development, democracy, human rights and peacebuilding.
Hon. Lar expressed optimism that the Institute would help strengthen leadership capacity and promote the values necessary for building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society.
The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of collaboration in promoting effective leadership, strengthening democratic values and advancing sustainable development across the North Central region.
