Prominent Niger Delta environmental activist and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has urged Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to take concrete steps in honoring the legacy of the late Niger Delta leader and elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Mulade made this appeal during a condolence visit to Clark’s country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The visit was attended by community leaders and representatives of various civil society organizations across the Niger Delta region, who came together to pay their respects to the revered statesman.
Honoring Clark’s Legacy
In a heartfelt tribute, Chief Mulade emphasized Clark’s immense contributions to the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta, advocating for the renaming of key roads, educational institutions, and public facilities in his honor.
“Chief Edwin Clark was more than just a leader; he was a beacon of hope for the Ijaw people and a relentless advocate for justice and equity in the Niger Delta,” Mulade stated.
“To ensure that his legacy lives on, we urge Governor Oborevwori to consider naming roads, schools, and public institutions after him.”
During the visit, Mulade and other CSO representatives recounted Clark’s pivotal role in environmental justice, social equity, and the protection of Niger Delta resources.
They praised his unwavering fight for the rights of marginalized communities, noting his fearless approach to speaking truth to power.
A Life Dedicated to Education and Advocacy
Reflecting on Clark’s contributions, Mulade highlighted his instrumental role in the establishment of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and his service as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Minna, Niger State.
“He was an educationist, a mentor, and an advocate for learning. His dedication to Niger Delta development was evident, particularly with the formation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which has become the voice of the region,” Mulade said. “We are going to miss him greatly.”
A Call for Action
Mulade further stressed the need to sustain Clark’s legacy of advocacy, urging all Niger Delta leaders and activists to continue pushing for the development of the region.
“His legacy must be preserved. Those of us who share his passion for advocacy must ensure that his vision for the Niger Delta is upheld,” he said.
“I call on the Delta State Government, under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, to take the lead in immortalizing him by renaming institutions and roads after him.”
Notable Civil Society Leaders Join in Tribute
Mulade was accompanied on the visit by several key civil society leaders, including:
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 – Founder, Jennifer 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
The gathering served as both a tribute to a fallen hero and a call to action for the continued fight for justice, development, and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.
