Prominent Niger Delta environmental activist and national coordinator of a foremost NGO, the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to take significant steps to honour the legacy of the revered Niger Delta Leader and elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed on Monday, 17th February, 2025.
Mulade, who led various civil society organizations across the Niger Delta region, made this appeal during a condolence visit to Clark’s country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area.
The community leaders were also in attendance, and they gathered to pay their respects to the late elder statesman.
Chief Mulade emphasized the importance of recognizing Clark’s contributions to the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region, advocating for the naming of roads and institutions in his honour.
“Chief Edwin Clark was not just a father, leader; or mentor but he was a beacon of hope for the Ijaw people and a tireless advocate for justice and equity in the Niger Delta,” Mulade stated.
He added, “To ensure that his legacy lives on, we urge Governor Oborevwori to consider naming key roads, educational institutions, or public facilities after him.”
Mulade and other CSO representatives across Niger Delta region shared stories of Clark’s impactful leadership and his relentless fight for the rights of the Niger Delta communities during the visit.
They highlighted Clark’s role in advocating for environmental justice, social equity, and the protection of the region’s natural resources.
Mulade Sheriff said, “We are very shocked but not disappointed over his sudden demise, he has been the voice and hope of the common people, less privileged, oppressed, a voice that speaks truth to power.
“Today he is no more, we are here to sympatise, condole with the people despite the fact that we are here to celebrate the life and time of Pa Edwin Clark.
“His contribution to the society and the world is enormous. We may not be able to count all his achievements but we could remember that he was instrumental in establishing the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
“He was also the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Mina in Niger State. His an educationanist, lover and encourager, he has contributed to the growth of Niger Delta, recently with the formation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum PANDEF that has become the voice of the region. We are going to miss him greatly.
“He has left a legacy for us to emulate, his legacy must be sustained and those of us in the same constituency with Pa. Clark on advocacy as advocates must continue to sustain that legacy so that advocacy for the development of our region, communities and society must be sustained.
“I call on the Delta State government led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take the lead in immortalizing him by renaming some institutions and roads after him”.
Notable Civil society Organizations and their leaders who joined Mulade on the visit included Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, Executive Director, Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative; Comrade Taredei Okoh, Chairman NDOC Forum Bayelsa State; Chief Monday Ogheneruayitoobor, Environmental Rights Resource Center; Jennifer Okotie, Jenifer Okotie Initiative; Joy Omire Temile, Initiative for Peace and Stability; Samuel Ideh, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice; Comrade Benjamin Ajeromuna, Center for Human Rights and Public Complaints and host of others.
