Niger Delta Marks One Year Remembrance of Edwin Clark, Describes Him as Courageous Leader

The people of the Niger Delta region and Nigerians across the country are commemorating the first anniversary of the passing of former Federal Minister of Information and renowned Ijaw leader, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98.

To mark the occasion, a memorial service is being held today at the auditorium of Edwin Clark University in Delta State. The event is organized by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in collaboration with the university, the Clark family, and the Edwin Clark Foundation. It is expected to draw prominent personalities from across the country.

Speaking ahead of the memorial, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali, described the late Clark as a courageous, fearless, and patriotic Nigerian leader who dedicated his life to the unity and progress of the nation.

“Today, we especially remember with fondest memories our father, leader, national icon and statesman, Chief EK Clark. One year feels like yesterday. After 98 years of labour and devotion to building a Nigeria where truth, justice, fairness, and harmony reign, you departed with the words: ‘I am a Nigerian, I love Nigeria,’” Igali said.

He added that Clark’s unwavering commitment to the unity, solidarity, and national relevance of the Niger Delta and the entire South-South geopolitical zone would be celebrated for generations.

Igali, who succeeded Clark as PANDEF leader, described him as a “game changer” whose courage resonated far and wide. “Like a lion, Pa Clark’s courage was unmatched,” he said.

Born on May 25, 1927, Clark was a prominent Nigerian politician, Ijaw leader, and elder statesman from Delta State. Over the decades, he became known as a fearless advocate for the Niger Delta, minority rights, true federalism, and national unity.

His political career began in 1953 when he was elected councillor for Bomadi. He later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) during the pre-independence era.

Clark served in various capacities, including: Education Commissioner and later as Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 under the then Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. He also worked with the administration of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and was a member of an advisory committee to Mid-Western Region military governor David Ejoor in 1966.

During the Second Republic, Clark was a member of the national executive committee of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and served as its treasurer in Bendel State. In 1983, he was elected senator during the closing months of the Shehu Shagari administration.

In 2016, he co-founded PANDEF as a platform to engage stakeholders and advocate for restructuring, development, and improved security policies for the Niger Delta.

Clark also invested heavily in education, founding the Edwin Clark Foundation and Edwin Clark University to promote academic advancement in the region.

As tributes continue to pour in, many describe his life as one defined by courage, advocacy, and an enduring commitment to justice and equity in Nigeria.