…interment on 17 May at Kiagbodo Town, Delta
The family of the late Ijaw elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has unveiled a 12-day funeral programme to honour the former National Commissioner who died on February 17, 2025.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the first son of the deceased, Penaowei Clark, announced that the burial rites will commence on Wednesday, May 7, with a Memorial Lecture and Tributes in Abuja.
This will be followed by a valedictory session at the Senate Chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, May 8.
Other activities lined up include a wrestling competition in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a Service of Songs, and other cultural events.
Penaowei noted that the burial arrangements have received the full support of both the state and Federal Government, as well as sociocultural groups the late Clark was associated with.
“This programme reflects a collective effort, in partnership with the Delta State
Government, the Federal Government,
“PANDEF, and community leaders, to honour and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark,” he said.
He stressed that the elderstateman lived the better part of his life serving Nigeria.
He added, “His contributions-as a visionary leader, founding father of PANDEF, a founding father of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, and a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and the unity of Nigeria-have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
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“As his son, I can personally attest that Pa Edwin Clark was not only a national figure but a loving father and patriarch whose values continue to guide our family.”
On the programme of activities, the younger Clark said, “Today, we are gathered to announce the d a t es and full programme of events for his funeral, which will run from Wednesday, 7th May 2025, through Sunday, 18th May 2025.
“Below is the detailed schedule: Wednesday, 7th May 2025. Memorial Lecture & Tributes at NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja, 11:00 AM. Thursday, 8th May 2025
“Valedictory Session at Senate Chambers, National Assembly
Complex, Abuja, 11:00 AM. Saturday, 10th May 2025
“Wrestling Contest in Yenagoa. Service of Songs at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, 5:00 PM.
“Candlelight Memorial at No. 43, Haile
Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, 7:00-
8:00 PM.
“Sunday, 11th May 2025. Service of Songs at Royal House of Grace Int’l Church, Port Harcourt, 4:00 PM.
Monday, 12th May 2025
• C o m m e n d a t i o n Service at the National
Christian Centre, Abuja, 8:00 AM.
Simultaneous Valedictory Court Session:
• High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta
State, 10:00 AM.
Following this, the body will depart Abuja
for Yenagoa and Warri, with lying-in-state
and commendation services at key
l o c a t i o n s :
• ljaw House, Yenagoa: 1:30-2:30 PM.
• Warri: Lying-in-state from 6:30-7:00
PM at No. 5, Swamp Road, GRA.
The body will then proceed to Kiagbodo
Town, Delta State.
Tuesday, 13th May 2025
• Lying-in-State: Edwin Clark University,
Kiagbodo, 10:00-10:30 AM.
• Commendation Service: 10:30-11:00
AM.
• Funeral Service: St. Peter’s Anglican
Church, Kiagbodo, 11:00 AM.
• Reception & Interment: 1:00 PM
onward.
• All-night Vigil: 5:00 PM.
Saturday, 17th May 2025
• Novelty Football Match: Team Clark
(Izon, Urhobo & Itsekiri) vs Rest of
Nigeria at Mein Grammar School Field,
Kiagbodo, 4:00 PM.
Sunday, 18th May 2025
• Thanksgiving Service.