By Abiola Olawale
Tributes are still pouring in for late elderstatesman, former Minister for Information during the regime of Gen Yakubu Gowon, Second Republic Senator and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025.
This is as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, has described the late Clark as a compassionate advocate of democracy, social justice, and national restructuring.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Jerome Utomi, Ebie said the passing of Clark is a huge loss to the Ijaws, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
According to him, the elder statesman would be greatly missed, adding that his lifelong efforts have left an indelible mark on Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “As a teacher, lawyer, humanist, philanthropist, and Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Midwestern Region from 1972 to 1975, Pa Clark left a lasting impact on his community and the nation.
“During this time, he worked alongside my late father, Professor John Ebie, who served as Commissioner for Health in the same cabinet. I have fond memories of our families coming together during that period.
“Even in retirement, Clark remained dedicated to his love for a united Nigeria and the development of the Niger Delta.
“He co-founded numerous groups aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance at all levels of government in Nigeria.
“As a philanthropist, Pa Clark founded the Edwin Clark Foundation, which supports education and social development.
“His efforts uplifted many communities and individuals. In line with his commitment to human capital development, Clark also established Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, in 2015, offering higher education opportunities for students in his home state and beyond.”
The New Diplomat reports that Clark, a prominent Nigerian elder statesman passed away at the age of 97 on the night of Monday, February 17, 2025.
Clark’s passing has been mourned by many, including current and former Nigerian leaders, who have acknowledged his significant contributions to the nation’s political and social landscape.
Clark was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of present-day Delta State. He attended primary and secondary schools in Effurun, Okrika, and Akugbene before furthering his education at the Government Teacher Training College, which later evolved into Delta State University, Abraka.
His educational journey did not end there; he pursued legal studies abroad, becoming a lawyer and returning to Nigeria to take on various roles in public service.
Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected as a councillor of Bomadi in Delta State. His commitment to public service saw him ascending to various roles, from being a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor, to serving as Federal Commissioner for Information under the military regime of Gowon.
His tenure as a Commissioner for Education and later Finance in the Mid-Western Region highlighted his dedication to improving governance and public welfare.
In the Second Republic, Clark was involved with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was Senator Representing Warri and served as the party’s treasurer in Bendel State.
His political career was not just about positions but also about advocacy, particularly for the rights of the Niger Delta region. He was a vocal proponent of resource control, true federalism, and equitable distribution of national wealth, which resonated deeply within the South-South geopolitical zone.
One of his later significant roles was as the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), where he continued to champion the cause of the Niger Delta.
PANDEF, under his leadership, became a pivotal voice in national dialogues on restructuring Nigeria’s federal system, ensuring that the interests of the oil-rich but historically marginalized region were not overlooked.
His efforts were instrumental during the amnesty period for Niger Delta militants, advocating for peace and development rather than confrontation.
