By SundiataPOST, Abuja
The People of Langtang in Plateau State on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to establish a polytechnic in the area in memory of late elder statesman, Chief Solomon Lar.
Presiding Priest, Rev. Habila Nimkur, and a former President of the Church, Rev. Alexander Lar, made the call during a commendation service for Lar at the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) Langtang.
They said the best way to immortalise the first national chairman of the PDP and a former governor of the state was for the Federal Government to establish a college of education in his name in Langtang..
“Our father, brother, friend, mentor and leader died serving and fighting for the unity of Nigeria without any federal presence in his home community, Langtang.
“We so demand of the Federal Government to immortalise `Baba` by establishing a teachers’ institute in Langtang in his name.
“This will only prove to us, Langtang sons and daughters, who are patriotic Nigerians that all that Lar lived for is appreciated, “ Nimkur said.
Nimkur said that Lar lived a selfless life serving the nation and preaching peace all across the nation, staking his life for the unity and progress of the nation.
Alexandra Lar, in a goodwill message, said that the late political icon “did all he could to keep Nigeria united “.
“It is unfortunate that there is no federal institution in Langtang to immortalise Baba Lar’s name; it is high time the Federal Government did something to make us look at it and have our comfort,“ he said.
Gov. Jonah Jang, in an address delivered by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Yiljap Abraham, said that Lar was an epitome of peace worthy of emulation by all and sundry.
He said that Lar left “a legacy of humanity as a father, leader and a shepherd to all.
“Plateau Government will always stand by the family of Baba for what he has done for the state and the nation as a whole,” he said.
He said that the Plateau State University, Bokkos, was named after Lar in recognition of his contributions to the unity of the people of the state.
Widow of the late politician, Prof Mary Lar, said that the family was comforted by the show of love in its trying moment.
“We hope that the legacy he left us with will not be toyed with but kept and practised for the good and betterment of Nigeria, “ she said.
The late first executive governor of Plateau was first laid in state at his Langtang residence before the church service.
The corpse has been conveyed to Jos for more ceremonies and would be buried in Langtang on Friday.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Prof. Jerry Gana, retired Lt.-Gen. Jerry Useni, and Mr Damishi Sango, former Sports Minister.
