The serene hills of Abuja pulsed with diplomacy, legacy, and shared purpose as the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation welcomed Taiwan’s Head of Mission to Nigeria, Ambassador Andy Yih-Ping Liu, in a warm and symbolic gathering. This historic visit marked a significant stride in strengthening people-to-people diplomacy between Nigeria and Taiwan—anchored not in geopolitics, but in education, leadership development, and shared democratic ideals.
Hosted by Elder Mary Lar—respected matriarch of Nigeria’s democratic journey and widow of the late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar—the Foundation served as a powerful venue for intergenerational dialogue. Attendees included political leaders, scholars, diplomats, family members, and champions of African progress.
Ambassador Liu delivered a moving, unscripted address chronicling Taiwan’s long and nuanced relationship with Nigeria, tracing its arc from Calabar to Abuja and now to the Lar Foundation. Reflecting on Taiwan’s development without natural resources, he remarked, “We have no oil, no gas, no minerals—only human capital. So we built our nation on education, technology, and democratic values.”
He paid tribute to Elder Mary Lar and the enduring legacy of Chief Solomon Lar: “This Foundation stands for everything we believe in—integrity, democracy, and inclusive development. I came here not just as a diplomat, but as a friend of Nigeria.” Ambassador Liu commended the Lar family for sustaining the values of unity and public service that defined Chief Lar’s legacy.
Renowned for his commitment to grassroots outreach and cultural diplomacy, Ambassador Liu also disclosed his ongoing efforts to deepen Taiwan’s formal engagements with the Nigerian government and institutions.
In a compelling intervention, Dr Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), praised both the Foundation and Taiwan’s mission for their transformative roles. “The Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation is an emerging centre for leadership innovation and is poised to benefit from the founders’ passion, commitment, and drive for purposeful education,” he stated.
Dr Omeri further highlighted Taiwan’s distinctive diplomatic ethos: “I strongly believe that Nigeria–Taiwanese synergy will shape the future by empowering young minds toward a sustainable bilateral partnership. Ambassador Liu has earned goodwill for Taiwan and himself through exemplary diplomacy. He is a worthy ambassador of the Taiwanese people, culture, and tradition.”
Dr Edward Ihejirika, son-in-law to Elder Mary Lar, called for an expanded educational partnership with Taiwan. “We’ve begun constructing a school here and seek partners who understand the value of education. Taiwan is a model in that regard,” he said.
Mr. Julius Bala, chairman of the Nigeria–Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and a longstanding associate of the Lar family, underscored Taiwan’s tangible impact. “My children studied in Taiwan and speak Mandarin fluently. Ambassador Liu has redefined Taiwan’s presence in Nigeria,” he affirmed. Bala advocated for enhanced teacher exchange and vocational training initiatives via the Foundation, leveraging Taiwan’s advanced education systems for mutual growth.
African Leadership Magazine Endorses the Vision
On behalf of African Leadership Magazine and our Founder and CEO, Dr Ken Giami, King Richard had the honour of presenting select editions of our international publication to Ambassador Liu and Elder Mary Lar. Each edition—valued at five US dollars and circulated globally—was gifted in recognition of the Foundation’s legacy and Taiwan’s people-centred diplomacy.
This symbolic gesture was warmly received, reaffirming the magazine’s commitment to spotlighting Africa’s transformative institutions and global allies.
Distinguished attendees included:
- Elder Mary Lar, Founder of the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation
- Ambassador Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Taiwan’s Head of Mission to Nigeria
- Dr Julius Bala, President, Taiwan–Nigeria Chamber of Commerce
- Prof Joseph Golwa and Mrs Golwa, prominent policy scholars
- Dr Mike Omeri and Mrs Omeri, public affairs experts
- Dr Edward Ihejirika, son-in-law to the Lar family
- Dr Deborah Lar, Member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives
- King Richard Igimoh, Group Editor, African Leadership Magazine, and others
Each participant offered a unique perspective—bridging diplomacy, legacy, development, and education.
Long known for its quiet but impactful work in civic education and rural development, the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation is now poised to become a strategic platform for international collaboration—particularly in leadership training and youth empowerment.
As Nigeria searches for values-driven development models and Taiwan expands its soft power across Africa, this meeting could be remembered as a defining moment—where legacy embraced opportunity, and diplomacy was humanised.
In the words of Ambassador Liu:
“We do not come bearing ultimatums. We come bearing ideas, education, and enduring friendship.”
About the Author
King Richard Igimoh is the Group Editor of African Leadership Magazine, a veteran journalist, communications strategist, and advocate for transformative leadership in Africa. He has reported on international summits, interviewed leaders within and outside the continent, and curated groundbreaking international editorials.
