Niger Delta Leader Clark Pass At 97
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin City
Former Federal Commissioner for Information and chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clarke, dies at age 97. In a statement by the family, the renowned South-South leader gave up the ghost on Monday night, February 17, 2025.
“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 Niger Delta leader was born in Kiagbodo in Delta state and completed his elementary and secondary education at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before proceeding to Government Teacher Training College, which is now Delta State University, Abraka, to further his education.
Thereafter, he worked briefly as a school teacher before pursuing a law degree abroad.
The late Chief Clark worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and Head of State General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975. Inspired by his passion for leadership, he became a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor, in 1966. He was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.
Chief Clarke was known for his active and impactful role as a Niger Delta leader, fighting g for the good cause of the marginalised people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. He was an active regional and national politician pushing for restructuring, constitutional reforms and the rights of the Niger Delta people, amongst others.
Speaking on his Demise, the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr Nnimmo Bassey, expressed his grief towards the death of the southern leader.
“Chief Edwin Clarke lived a great, full and impactful life. His departure leaves a huge vacuum not just in terms of leadership in the Niger Delta but in the entire nation. His forthrightness challenged everyone, even when he ruffled many feathers.
“He was a pillar of defense for the heavily deprived and marginalized peoples of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
“With his departure, the nation sorely needs elders and leaders who would toe his footsteps and care about the future of our peoples and environment rather than merely seeking positions, power and wealth as often is the case.We have lost a great leader, but his ideals stand strong.” He said.
While alive, he was honoured with numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to Nigeria’s development. In 2005, he was awarded the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
