ABUJA—One year following Chief Edwin Clark’s passing, the South-South geopolitical zone’s top socio-political organization, the Pan Niger Delta Forum, or PANDEF, has lavished him with praise.
One year has passed, and his presence is still powerful because he was a man who lived a life of service, courage, honesty, and sacrifice, according to a statement released yesterday by Ambassador Godknows Igali, the national chairman of PANDEF.
In his reflection on Clark’s 98 years of service to Nigeria, Igali praised his steadfast dedication to regional significance and national progress, stating that even though he is no longer with us, his spirit will always be there to inspire future generations.
Igali announced that the Edwin Clark University Auditorium would host a special memorial service for the late elder statesman today.
He claims that PANDEF organized the ceremony in coordination with the families of Clark, Bekederemo, and Fuludu as well as Edwin Clark University and the Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Foundation.
According to Igali, the gathering would honor the late “Gogorogo” of the South-South with prayers, tributes, and cultural performances as students and dignitaries come together.
Recalling Clark’s last statement, “I am a Nigerian, I love Nigeria,” Igali remarked, “One year gone and your presence is still mighty.”
He emphasized that Clark’s legacy would last for centuries and that his vision is still relevant today.
“Today, we especially remember with fondest memories our father, leader, national icon, and statesman, Chief Clark,” the statement continued. A year seems like it was yesterday. After 98 years of labour and devotion to building our nation Nigeria to where truth, justice, fairness and harmony reigns, you departed with those final words ‘I am a Nigerian, I love Nigeria’.
“But more, your efforts for the Niger Delta’s unity, solidarity, and national significance—yes, the entire South-South geopolitical zone—will be honored and praised for countless generations to come.”
