The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has pledged to partner with the Solomon and Mary Lar Institute for Leadership to strengthen leadership capacity, promote democracy and human rights, and accelerate development across the North Central region.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NCDC, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, gave the assurance on the partnership on Monday, when a delegation from the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation for Leadership, led by Beni Lar, daughter of the late Chief Solomon Lar, visited the Commission to present an invitation to the launch of the Institute in Abuja next month.
In a statement signed by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Head of Media and Corporate Communications Department, NCDC, on October 12, 2026, Tsenyil described the late Solomon Lar as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to democracy, good governance and the development of Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states, as well as the wider Middle Belt, earned him widespread respect.
He said the late political leader demonstrated selfless service, dignity and generosity while championing the recognition, unity and development of the region.
According to him, the establishment of NCDC represents a significant step towards advancing the aspirations of leaders such as Lar, who worked tirelessly for the region’s development.
The NCDC chief executive said the Commission was committed to promoting leadership built on accountability, inclusiveness, service and sustainable development.
He assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the Institute to identify, nurture and harness leadership potential across the North Central region.
Tsenyil, however, observed that despite its vast human, agricultural, mineral and economic resources, the region had yet to develop a distinct economic identity capable of driving coordinated growth and prosperity.
He urged the Institute to prioritise the development of responsible and visionary leaders who could mobilise the region’s diverse talents and resources for collective benefit.
The NCDC boss also disclosed that the Commission would soon unveil its Regional Development Plan, which is being developed following the recently concluded NCDC Stakeholders Development Summit.
He said the plan would provide a strategic framework for coordinated development, economic integration and the effective utilisation of the region’s resources and opportunities.
Earlier, Beni Lar congratulated Tsenyil, members of the NCDC Governing Board and management on their appointments, expressing confidence in their ability to fulfil the Commission’s mandate.
She described the establishment of NCDC as a fulfilment of the vision of past leaders, including her late father, who consistently advocated the unity, recognition and development of the North Central region.
Lar commended the Commission for convening the Stakeholders Development Summit, noting that the initiative provided an important platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the region’s development priorities.
She also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in initiating and executing projects across the region, stressing the importance of sustained commitment to regional development.
Recalling her father’s legacy, she said Solomon Lar consistently promoted peaceful coexistence, national unity, mutual love and respect among Nigerians before his death.
She said these principles remained central to the vision of the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation for Leadership.
According to her, the Foundation has been in existence for 10 years, while the establishment of the Institute would build on its achievements by providing a structured platform for leadership development, democracy, human rights and peacebuilding.
Lar expressed optimism that the Institute would strengthen leadership capacity and promote the values needed to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society.
The visit provided an opportunity for the two institutions to explore areas of collaboration in leadership development, democratic governance and sustainable regional development.
