National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a respected South-South leader, has passed away at the age of 97.
His death occurred on Monday night, February 17, 2025, as confirmed in a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark on behalf of the family.
The statement expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received while noting that further details would be announced later.
Clark’s passing comes shortly after the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at 96.
A significant figure in Nigerian politics, Clark was known for his advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta people. He was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter who played key roles in both regional and national affairs.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971 and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975. At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and later became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a strong voice for regional and national unity. He led organizations such as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly, and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF).
His unwavering advocacy for resource control, fiscal federalism, and the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta earned him national recognition and respect across Nigeria.
