- Edwin Clark, a towering figure in Nigerian politics and an Ijaw leader passed away on February 17 at the age of 97
- A staunch advocate for the Niger Delta, Clark championed resource control and economic development in the region
- TheRadar compiled 12 facts about the elder statesman
Edwin Clark, a distinguished Nigerian statesman, Ijaw leader, and political figure from Delta State, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.
The news of his death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 18, through a statement jointly issued by Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the National Publicity Secretary and Spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF); Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo; and Ambassador Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF.
Festus Keyamo pays tribute to Edwin Clark
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, expressed his condolences on social media, remembering Clark as a seasoned politician, fearless critic, and dedicated advocate for the Niger Delta region.
“Our leader and father is gone at a time we needed him most. Pa Edwin Clark, leader of the South-South, father of the nation and quintessential patriot is no more.
“He was a consummate politician in his heyday and became a fearless and outspoken critic in his later years.
“He lived a very fulfilled life of service to our country. Condolences to the Clark family and to the nation in general. He will be sorely missed”, he wrote.
TheRadar compiled 12 key facts about the Ijaw leader and political titan, Edwin Clark below:
12 facts about Edwin Clark
1. Edwin Clark was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
2. He began his education at African Church School in 1938 before attending Government Teachers Training College in Abraka.
3. Between 1961 and 1964, Clark pursued a law degree at Holborn College in the United Kingdom.
4. Clark’s political career began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi, which is now part of Delta State.
5. He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, during which he contributed to the region's educational development.
6. From 1972 to 1975, Clark served as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in Bendel State.
7. He was appointed Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon in 1975, further solidifying his political influence.
8. As Commissioner for Education, Clark was instrumental in establishing the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.
9. Throughout his life, Clark was a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, advocating for resource control, environmental protection, and economic development in the region.
10. Clark was a key figure in PANDEF (Pan Niger Delta Forum) and the Ijaw National Congress, working tirelessly to ensure that policies supporting the Niger Delta’s growth were implemented.
11. He established Edwin Clark University in 2015 to provide higher education opportunities for people in his home state of Delta.
12. Edwin Clark’s impact on Nigerian politics and his steadfast advocacy for the Niger Delta spanned several decades. He remained a respected elder statesman until his passing on February 17, 2025.
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