Matilda Omonaiye/
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, prominent Nigerian statesman, Ijaw leader, and the convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has died at the age of 97.
His death was confirmed in a statement by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, today.
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to the advocacy of truth, fairness, justice, and equity in Nigeria.
Clark began his educational journey at the African Church School in Effurun Otor in 1938. He furthered his studies at institutions in Okrika before attending the Government Teacher Training College in Abraka from 1949 to 1953.
His early career saw him serve as a headmaster in various schools across Ofoni and Bomadi between 1955 and 1957.
Pursuing a passion for law, Clark travelled to England, where he earned a law degree from Holborn College between 1961 and 1964.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Clark’s political journey commenced in 1966 when he was appointed as a special adviser by the then Military Governor of the Midwestern Region.
He later served under Governor Samuel Ogbemudia of the old Bendel State as Commissioner for Education in 1968 and subsequently as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Midwest Institute of Technology, which later evolved into the University of Benin.
In 1975, Clark was appointed as the Federal Commissioner of Information, a position he utilised to advocate for the interests of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.
His influence extended beyond official titles; he was a trusted adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan and remained an active voice in national affairs well into his later years.
As a staunch advocate for the rights and development of the Niger Delta, Clark founded the Edwin Clark Foundation and established a university in his hometown, furthering educational opportunities in the region.
His leadership roles included serving as the leader of the South-South Peoples Assembly and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum.
Through PANDEF, he championed the cause of the Niger Delta, striving for equitable resource distribution and development.
In his autobiography, Brutally Frank, Clark detailed his life’s journey, intertwining his personal experiences with the broader narrative of the Ijaw people and Nigeria’s political landscape.
His unwavering commitment to justice and equity has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
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