The dedicated statesman has left." Edwin Clark is missed in Okumagba.

Prominent leader of the APC in Delta State and Former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, has condoled with the Clark family of Kiagbodo and the entire country on the death of renowned elder statesman, Edwin Clark.

Clark died on Monday night at the age of 97.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Okumagba said, “I am saddened to hear about the passing of our dearly beloved Chief Edwin Clark, a true Nigerian elderstatesman and icon. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, our people in Delta State, the Niger Delta Region and the entire nation.

He stated further that, “Chief Clark’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to public service. Indeed, he spent over seven decades serving Nigeria in various capacities from the local to the Federal level as Councillor, State Commissioner for Education, Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information and Senator. He was a member of various national conferences and spent his lifetime working with like minds to birth a Nigeria founded on equity and primed for development and growth.”

Okumagba described him as a man whose “commitment to the country’s growth and development was inspiring, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

He said that as a respected leader of the Niger Delta region, Clark worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and development in the region.

“His contributions to the establishment of the University of Benin and the founding of Edwin Clark University in 2015 are a testament to his passion for education and empowerment,” he said.

Okumagba offered his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, asking them to find comfort in the knowledge that Clark made a lasting impact on the nation.

He also urged Nigerians to honour the Ijaw leader’s memory by continuing to work towards a united, prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.