Political Feature
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek, British-American author and leadership thinker known for his work on organizational culture and people-centered leadership.
There are public office holders who fade quickly from the everyday concerns of their constituencies once elections are over. In Plateau State, Hon. Beni Lar has, over the years, remained visible in ways that keep her name in constant public conversation, shaped by her constituency work, outreach programmes, and steady involvement in community life.
For the people of Langtang North and Langtang South Federal Constituency, representation is not treated as a distant political title. It is measured by presence, accessibility, and the ability to remain connected to the daily realities of the people. In that space, Beni Lar has maintained a profile defined by consistent engagement and visible interventions.
Born into the family of the late Chief Solomon Lar, Nigeria’s first civilian governor of Plateau State, she grew up within a legacy tied to public service and democratic struggle. Over time, she stepped into politics with her own identity shaped by education, discipline, and legislative participation rather than family history alone.
She studied Law at the University of Jos and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, where she qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. That legal foundation has reflected in her work in parliament, especially in debates and committee assignments that demand policy clarity and constitutional understanding.
Her service in the House of Representatives included assignments in Women Affairs, Human Rights, and Science and Technology. Those roles placed her within national conversations on gender inclusion, institutional reform, youth development, and innovation-driven policy direction.
Across Langtang North and Langtang South, her constituency work has remained visible through empowerment programmes directed at women, youths, widows, farmers, and small-scale traders. Support has come in different forms, including tools for small businesses, training opportunities, educational materials, and financial assistance aimed at improving livelihoods.
In several rural communities, beneficiaries still point to initiatives that helped them establish income-generating activities or acquire skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, cosmetology, soap making, and renewable energy training.
Her political style is widely described as accessible. She maintains regular contact with traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations, religious leaders, and community stakeholders, a factor many supporters link to her long-standing presence in constituency politics.
Education has remained a strong focus of her interventions, with support for students, learning materials, and advocacy for better access to schooling in rural areas. In her view, education remains central to reducing poverty and expanding opportunity.
She has also spoken on issues of peace, justice, and humanitarian support during periods of crisis in Plateau communities, particularly in relation to women, displaced families, and victims of violence.
Her advocacy for gender inclusion has remained consistent, especially around expanding women’s participation in governance and addressing barriers that limit political representation. She has also emphasized girl-child education and protection against gender-based abuse.
At one of her empowerment events, she said, “When you empower a woman, you strengthen an entire family. When you educate a child, you secure the future of a community. Leadership must carry everybody along, not just a privileged few.”
Her time overseeing the House Committee on Science and Technology also placed her within discussions on innovation, youth creativity, and technology as a development tool, adding another layer to her legislative experience.
Numerous fans and supporters argue that her years in parliament have given her the institutional knowledge, exposure, and stability needed for effective representation, especially in navigating federal processes and constituency engagement at national level.
Her strong showing in the just concluded party primaries has drawn attention within political circles in Plateau State. Many of her fans and supporters alike view the outcome as a clear endorsement of her record and a reflection of trust built over years of engagement. It is obvious that political activities are now geared toward the coming general elections, the results within her camp is signalling a wider acceptance ahead, shaped by long term established presence, sustained engagement, and long-standing connection with the constituency.
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, NEWSCOUNT
