Former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has passed away at the age of 97.
The elder statesman and chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) died on Monday night, February 17, 2025, according to a statement released by his family.
The statement reads:
“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.”
Born in Kiagbodo, an Ijaw community in present-day Delta State, Clark had a distinguished career in public service. He received his early education in Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene before furthering his studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. He initially worked as a schoolteacher before traveling abroad to earn a law degree.
Clark played a key role in Nigeria’s governance during the military era, serving in various capacities. He was a close associate of General Yakubu Gowon and military governor Samuel Ogbemudia, holding the position of Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975. In 1966, he was also a member of an advisory committee to the then military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor.
A vocal advocate for the Niger Delta region, Clark dedicated much of his later years to championing the rights and development of his people through PANDEF.
Tributes have begun pouring in, with political leaders and stakeholders recognizing his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. “Chief Clark was a fearless advocate for justice and equity. His voice will be deeply missed,” a Niger Delta activist stated.
May his soul rest in peace.
