BREAKING: PANDEF leader, Edwin Clark, is dead

One of Nigeria’s most revered elder statesmen and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),  Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, is dead.

The South-South leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information died at the age of 97 on Monday night, according to a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark for the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State. 

“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February, 2025. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement reads.

Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Edwin Clark was a Nigerian statesman, Ijaw leader, and seasoned politician. 

His career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and educational landscape. 

As a young man, Clark attended primary and secondary schools in Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene, before studying at the Government Teacher Training College, which would later become Delta State University, Abraka. Clark briefly worked as a school teacher before traveling abroad to earn his law degree.

Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected as Councillor for Bomadi. 

He later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and was an active member of the West African Students’ Union while studying at Holborn College in London. 

In 1966, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon, Clark became a member of an advisory committee to the Military Governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor. In 1975, he was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information by the Gowon administration, further solidifying his role in shaping Nigeria’s post-independence political structure.

Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational system were also notable. 

As Midwestern Commissioner for Education, he was instrumental in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became part of the University of Benin.

During the Second Republic, Clark became a prominent member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he served as the party’s treasurer in Bendel State (now Delta and Edo states). 

In 1983, he briefly served as an elected senator, representing Bendel State at the end of the Shehu Shagari administration.

Starting in 1996, Edwin Clark emerged as a self-described leader of the Ijaw nation, advocating for the rights of the Ijaw ethnic group, particularly during ethnic tensions in Warri, Delta State. Clark’s leadership led him to form delegations to meet with national political leaders, fighting for the inclusion of the Ijaw people in Nigeria’s political dialogue.

Clark was also a philanthropist and founded the Edwin Clark Foundation, which focuses on promoting education and community development. 

In 2015, he took his vision a step further by establishing Edwin Clark University in his hometown of Kiagbodo.

Throughout his life, Chief Clark was a staunch advocate for national unity, good governance, and the development of Nigeria. 

He remained a steadfast voice for the Niger Delta region and was a critical figure in the fight for resource control and the equitable distribution of Nigeria’s wealth.

He is survived by his family, including his children and extended relatives, and leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Nigerian politics, education, and community development. 

As news of his passing spreads, tributes are expected from political leaders, traditional rulers, and the many Nigerians whose lives were impacted by his work.

The family said further details regarding his funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

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