Prominent Niger Delta environmental activist and national coordinator of a foremost nongovernmental organisation, the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to take significant steps to honour the legacy of the revered Niger Delta Leader and elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

Chief Mulade, who led various civil society organizations, CSOs, across the Niger Delta region, made the appeal during a condolence visit to Clark's country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, on Monday, March 3, 2025.

In attendance during the visit are community leaders who gathered to pay their respects to the late elder statesman and Convener of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late elder statesman, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West council area, 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 as means immortalising him.

"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," Chief Mulade stated, and added, "To ensure that his legacy lives on, we urge Governor Oborevwori to consider naming key roads, educational institutions, and public facilities after him."

During the visit, Chief Mulade and other CSO representatives shared stories of Clark's impactful leadership and his relentless fight for the rights of the Niger Delta communities, highlighting Clark's role in advocating for environmental justice, social equity, and the protection of the region's natural resources.

Chief Mulade 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 Minna in Niger State. He his an educationist, 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," he once again stated.

Notable CSOs and their leaders who joined Chief Mulade on the visit include 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, CEPEJ; Comrade Benjamin Ajeromuna, Center for Human Rights and Public Complaints, and a host of others.

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