Se-Alabo Nengi James mourns death of pa Clark, calls on FG, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta State Governments to lmmortalize the Elder Statesman

*PRESS STATEMENT* 

February 26, 2025.

*Building Legacies in Stone: A call for Pa Edwin Clark OFR, CON Immortalization* 

As the former National Youth Leader of the South-South People’s Conference (SSOPEC), under the esteemed leadership of the late Harold Dappa Biriye and Chief Edwin Clark as Vice, I had the privilege of working closely with these two irrepressible leaders.

I gained invaluable knowledge from these nationalist figures, tireless advocates for the Niger Delta people and their true identity, who relentlessly championed equity and justice for the indigenous communities inhabiting the coastal territories and beyond, where Nigeria's abundant oil and gas resources are deposited. 

The recent passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, my advisor, mentor, and father figure for many years, was a profound and unexpected shock, both personally and globally. 

I deeply missed Chief Edwin Clark, our national leader, on emotional, psychological, physical, and personal levels. I extend my heartfelt condolences to everyone, particularly the immediate family, on the demise of my father figure, who I accompanied on numerous journeys across the North and other regions. 

Pa Clark was an institution in himself, an exemplary leader, and a true national figure for the Ijaw-Niger Delta people. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide. 

Undoubtedly, Pa Clark deserves a monumental and befitting immortalization. No sacrifice is too great to properly honor his legacy. Therefore, I recommend the following: 

 1. National Recognition: The Nigerian state should immortalize his image alongside that of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe on the five hundred naira note, mirroring the dual-image format of the one thousand naira note. 

2. Local Content Tower: The Local Content Tower headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, should be renamed in his honor, recognizing his tireless advocacy for the rights of the oil-producing region. 

3. Edwin Clark Foundation and Lecture Series: The Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers State governments, in collaboration with the BRACED Commission and the Nigerian government, should establish and support the Edwin Clark Foundation. 

This foundation should organize an annual lecture series, the Edwin Clark Award and Lecture, to recognize distinguished leaders with leadership awards and to perpetuate the memory of his life and contributions. 

4. Clark University Monuments: Already the late sage established an existing university in Kiagbodo, his home town, so the Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State governments should each construct structures, such as hostels, at the University, serving as enduring monuments to his recognition by these states. 

5. NDDC Support: The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should conduct a needs assessment of Edwin Clark University and provide essential amenities to the institution, considering Pa Clark's pivotal role, alongside the late Harold Dappa Biriye, in the establishment of the NDDC.

In conclusion, while a befitting burial is essential, it is not sufficient to truly honor Pa Clark's legacy. These recommendations are crucial to ensure his tireless and fearless advocacy for the region and the nation, and his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, are permanently memorialized. Without such monumental immortalization, his immense contributions risk being diminished over time.

High Chief (Dr.) Nengi James, OON, MCArb, Mnim, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, Vice President 2