Key Things To Know About Edwin Clark
Renowned Niger Delta leader and elder statesman, Edwin Clark, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.
His death was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday morning by a family representative, Professor C. C. Clark.
An official announcement was also made by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), signed by its spokesman, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, and jointly released by Professor College Clark and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF.
Here are some key things to know about Edwin Clark:
1. Full Name: His full name is Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
2. Birth: He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Nigeria.
3. Early Education: Clark started his schooling in 1938 at the African Church School, later attending the Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.
4. Higher Education: Between 1961 and 1964, Clark studied Law at Holborn College in the United Kingdom.
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5. Political Career: Clark began his political career in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi, which is now part of Delta State. He has since held various influential positions, including:
Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region (1968-1971).
Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in Bendel State (1972-1975).
Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon in 1975.
6. Ministerial Position: Clark served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information under General Yakubu Gowon from 1969 to 1971, during which he was instrumental in shaping the country’s information policy.
7. Legal Career: Before becoming politically active, Clark was a successful lawyer. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1956 and built a distinguished legal career.
8. Leadership in the Niger Delta: Clark is regarded as a prominent leader of the Ijaw ethnic group and has been a relentless advocate for the development and autonomy of the Niger Delta region. He fought for better resource control, environmental protection, and economic development in the region.
9. Federalism Advocacy: A strong proponent of federalism, Clark argued for decentralisation of power, especially to ensure that the Niger Delta region received fair treatment and equal opportunities.
10. Cultural Promotion: Clark is passionate about the preservation of Ijaw culture and traditions. He has made significant efforts to promote the history, language, and heritage of his people.
11. Peace Efforts and Advocacy: Clark was deeply involved in peace negotiations to address the Niger Delta crisis, seeking solutions to the region’s developmental challenges. He was a key figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Ijaw National Congress, working tirelessly for policies that would support the region’s growth.
12. Edwin Clark University: He founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, aiming to provide educational opportunities for young Nigerians, especially those from the Niger Delta region.
13. Legacy: Edwin Clark’s impact on Nigeria’s politics and his advocacy for the Niger Delta region spanned decades. He remained a respected elder statesman and continued to push for the advancement of his people up until his death.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
