Late elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has been honoured with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards.
The award ceremony, which marked the 20th anniversary of the prestigious event, was held on March 1, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, bringing together prominent Nigerians from different sectors to celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national development.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Clark family was the Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Ebikeme Clark, who expressed gratitude to the organisers for honouring the late nationalist barely a year after his passing.
In his remarks, Ebikeme Clark thanked Silverbird Productions and its founder, Ben Murray-Bruce, for recognising the legacy of the elder statesman.
He described the late Clark as a courageous leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, fairness and national unity, noting that his advocacy for the Niger Delta and minority rights left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, Clark was widely regarded as a father figure whose voice resonated across ethnic and regional divides.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark stood for all Nigerians. He stood for justice, he stood for equity and he stood for fair play,” he said.
Ebikeme Clark also noted that the late nationalist instilled values of humility, courage and steadfast commitment to truth in his family and associates.
“He was a fearless man who taught us how to be humble, firm and to stand for the truth throughout our lives,” he added.
He said the elder statesman remained one of the strongest advocates for the Niger Delta region and national cohesion, adding that his contributions to public discourse and the struggle for resource justice would continue to inspire future generations.
Ebikeme Clark stated that he accepted the award on behalf of the Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo, Delta State in Burutu Local Government Area, alongside relatives including members of the family of renowned poet and academic J. P. Clark.
Clark, who died in 2025, was widely respected as one of Nigeria’s most influential political leaders and advocates for minority rights, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
The Silverbird Man of the Year Awards remains one of Nigeria’s leading recognition platforms, celebrating individuals whose contributions have significantly influenced national development across various sectors.
