BREAKING: Ijaw Leader Chief Edwin Clark Passes Away at 97

 

South-South Leader, Elder Statesman Chief Edwin Clark Dies At 97

.....Family Confirms Death. 

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a prominent South-South leader, elder statesman, and former Federal Commissioner for Information, has died at the age of 97.

The family confirmed his passing in a statement signed by his brother, Prof. C. C. Clark, and son, Penawei Clark. 

According to the statement, Chief Clark passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. The family has appreciated prayers and support during this time, with further details to be announced later.

 “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.”

Chief Clark was a respected nationalist and advocate for the Niger Delta region, playing key roles in national discourse, regional development, and the fight for resource control. His legacy will be remembered and honored in the days to come.

10 things to know about Edwin Clark:

1. He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.

2. He started school at African Church School in 1938 and later attended Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.

3. Between 1961 and 1964, he studied Law at Holborn College in the United Kingdom.

4. His political career began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi (now in Delta State).

5. Over the years, he held several important roles, including:

6. Commissioner for Education (Mid-Western Region, 1968-1971) Commissioner for Finance and Establishment (Bendel State, 1972-1975)

7. Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon (1975)

8. As Commissioner for Education, he helped establish the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.

7. Clark was a strong voice for the Niger Delta, pushing for:l better resource control, environmental protection and economic development in the region

8. He was a key figure in the PANDEF and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently working for policies that supported the Niger Delta’s growth.

9. He founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to provide education opportunities for young Nigerians.

10. His impact on Nigeria’s politics and advocacy spanned decades, and he remained a respected elder statesman until his passing on February 17, 2025.