Edwin Clark’s brother dies at 92

Ijaw leader Edwin Clark

Ambassador Blessing Clark, younger brother of Ijaw leader Edwin Clark, has died at the age of 92.

The younger Clark died on Tuesday in Lagos, a statement signed by Christopher Clark for the family said.

The statement said, “The Bekederemo-Fuludu-Clark family of Kiagbodo Town in the Burutu Local Government Council of Delta State, announce with profound sadness, the passing onto glory of Nigera’s foremost Diplomat, Ambassador Blessing Akporode Clark, CON, today, 26th July, 2022 in Lagos. He was aged 92 years.”

Clark was Nigeria’s ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), ambassador to Switzerland and permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and also ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, New York.

“He was one of Nigeria’s leading multilateralists, and rose to become Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of External Affairs. He was one of the critical global personalities in the fight against Apartheid and Racial Discrimination; and a leading world expert on Disarmament.

“Since 1999, until his death, he served as Member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Foreign Relations,” the statement said.

Details of the funeral will be announced subsequently, the family said.