The news of Edwin Kiagbodo Clark’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria, as we mourn the loss of a true statesman and champion of the Niger Delta region. Clark, who was 97 years old at the time of his passing, left behind a legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership that will be remembered for generations to come.
Throughout his life, Clark was a tireless advocate for the rights and interests of the Niger Delta people. He was a vocal critic of corruption, mismanagement, and environmental degradation, and worked tirelessly to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. His commitment to the well-being of the Niger Delta people earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, as well as the love and gratitude of the people he served.
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark’s early life was marked by a strong sense of purpose and determination. He attended the prestigious Government College, Ughelli, and later studied at the University of London, where he earned a degree in law. Clark’s entry into politics was marked by his election to the Nigerian House of Representatives in 1953, where he represented the Warri Federal Constituency.
Clark’s impact on Nigerian politics was significant. He served as a senator, minister, and federal commissioner for information, and was a key advisor to several Nigerian presidents. His commitment to the Niger Delta region was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to promote the interests of the region and its people.
One of Clark’s most significant contributions to Nigerian politics was his role in the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Clark was a key advocate for the creation of the NDDC, which was established in 2000 to promote the development of the Niger Delta region. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, which was created in 2008 to coordinate the development of the region.
Clark’s commitment to environmental justice was also noteworthy. He was a vocal critic of the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta region. He worked tirelessly to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the region, and was a key advocate for the clean-up of oil spills and the restoration of damaged ecosystems.
In recognition of his contributions to Nigerian politics and the Niger Delta region, Clark received numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2006, and was also awarded the Delta State Government’s highest honor, the Delta State Merit Award.
Clark’s passing leaves a void in Nigerian politics that will be difficult to fill. His commitment to the Niger Delta region and its people was unwavering, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of leaders. As Nigeria mourns the loss of this iconic statesman, we remember his tireless advocacy, his commitment to justice and equality, and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Niger Delta people.
