Jonah Jang Immortalises Solomon Lar by Renaming a Varsity

The Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, has renamed the Plateau State University after Chief Solomon Lar, the late first executive Governor of the state.

Gov. Jang announced this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on December 6, 2013, Friday.

The corpse of Chief Solomon Lar arrived at the airport at 6.00 a.m.

His remains were received at the airport by the PDP National Chairman, Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau, Prof. Jerry Gana, Mrs Paulin Tallen and the FCT Minister, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan.

Also at the airport were some cabinet members of the Plateau Government, Mrs Sarah Ochepe, Minister of Water Resources, and some Christian associations.

A brief mass was conducted at the airport in his honour before his remains were eventually conveyed to his Abuja Maitama residence.

Gov. Jang also announced that December 11 to 13 would be observed as mourning days in Plateau to honour the departed. Solomon Lar would be finally laid to rest on December 13, and this day would be observed as a work-free day in the state.

Solomon Lar, who passed away on October 9, 2013, at the age of 80, was described by most politicians as a colourful politician whose symbol was his white handkerchief and a peculiar cap.

The PDP national leadership had earlier said that the party would ensure a befitting burial for him.

Punch