Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a highly respected Ijaw leader and former Federal Commissioner of Information, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. His family announced his death.
Here are some things you might not have known about this influential Nigerian statesman:
* Born May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, he hailed from the Ijaw region.
* He received his early education in Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene, before attending the Government Teacher Training College (later Delta State University, Abraka).
* After a short stint as a teacher, he pursued and obtained a law degree abroad.
* He was the older brother of renowned Nigerian poet, J.P. Clark.
* His political career began early, serving as a councillor for Bomadi in 1953.
* He held advisory roles, including membership on an advisory committee to the Mid-Western Region’s military governor, David Ejoor, in 1966.
* In 1975, he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Information.
* During the Second Republic, he was a prominent member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), serving on its national executive committee and as its treasurer in Bendel State.
* He briefly served as a senator in 1983, during the waning days of the Shagari administration.
* Since 1996, he’s been a leading figure representing the Ijaw people.
* He was instrumental in the founding of the Mid-West College of Technology, a precursor to the University of Benin.
* He played a significant role in opposing confederation proposals at a 1966 constitutional conference.
* He established Edwin Clark University in 2015.
* As Commissioner for Education, he contributed significantly to the founding of the University of Benin.
In short, Chief Edwin Clark’s life was one of significant impact on Nigerian politics and education, spanning several decades and leaving a lasting legacy.
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