By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Renowned Nigerian statesman, Edwin Clark, has passed away at the age of 97. According to a statement by the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo, Delta state, Clark died on Monday, February 17. The family has expressed gratitude for prayers and will announce further details later.
Clark was a prominent Ijaw leader and former federal commissioner for information. His illustrious political career spanned over five decades, beginning in 1953 when he was elected as a councillor in Bomadi, Delta state ¹. He later joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and served as Midwestern commissioner of education and finance between 1966 and 1975.
Clark’s leadership roles extended to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he was treasurer in the old Bendel state. He also had a brief stint as a senator in 1983 during the Shagari administration. Until his passing, Clark was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Throughout his life, Clark was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education. He founded the Edwin Clark University in his hometown of Kiagbodo in 2015 ². Clark’s legacy as a dedicated public servant, educator, and advocate for his community will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
