Edwin Clark: The Fearless Voice Of Niger Delta Goes Silent

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Editor

Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Edwin Clark, died on Monday at the age of 97.

A family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark, announced Clark’s death on Tuesday morning.

He was a Nigerian nationalist, elder statesman, lawyer and an influential political leader from the Niger Delta.

He was widely recognised for his unwavering advocacy for the region’s rights and development and his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.

Below are the things to know about Clark

He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.

Clark began his schooling at African Church School in 1938 and later attended Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.

Between 1961 and 1964, he studied law at Holborn College, United Kingdom.

Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi (now in Delta State).

Over the years, he held several key government positions, including: Commissioner for Education (Mid-Western Region, 1968-1971)

Commissioner for Finance and Establishment (Bendel State, 1972-1975)

Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon (1975)

As Commissioner for Education, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.

Clark was a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, advocating for better resource control; environmental protection; and economic development for the region.

He was a key figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently fighting for policies that favoured the region’s growth.

Believing in the power of education, he founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to nurture future generations.

His influence in Nigeria’s politics spanned decades and he remained a respected elder statesman until his death on February 17, 2025.

Clark leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, education and an unrelenting pursuit of justice and equity for both the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

13 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

13 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

14 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.