Niger Delta Peace Ambassador, Comrade Shedrack Agediga, has described as immeasurable the contributions of Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark to the economic and political emancipation of the Niger Delta region.
Comrade Agediga, who is the founder of Shedrack Agediga Foundation SAF, stated this in his goodwill message to Pa Clark as he clocks 93 years.
He noted that the foremost Ijaw national leader has through groups, platforms and forums like the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), consistently and relentlessly fought against the oil and gas exploitation and deprivation of the Niger Delta region.
“My father and leader, Chief E.K. Clark does not hesitate to speak out whenever he perceives actions taken by the multinational oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta region that are inimical to the economic and social wellbeing of the people.”
Agediga who is also the Executive Director, Planning, Research & Statistics on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESOPADEC, recalled the enormous efforts made on several occasions by Chief Clark to ensure that Niger Delta agitators exit the creeks and lay down their weapons to allow for unhindered oil and gas explorations in the region.
He said, “I can attribute largely the cessation of hostilities in the Niger Delta creeks to the effort of Chief Clark, who equally does not fail to fault the federal government on areas it ought to deal with, to ensure that the agitators do not return to the creeks. This he has continued to achieve as the leader PANDEF, which is a pan-Niger Delta group that is providing the needed voice for the actualisation of the dreams of past freedom fighters in the region.
“He is a nationalist, a patriot, an advocate of restructuring, a bridge builder, a peace advocate, a leader per excellence and a father to all. In the right words, he is a true Nigerian.”
While eulogizing the Ijaw national leader on his 93rd birthday anniversary, Comrade Agediga said, “Gogorogo, your contributions to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta and the country at large are being highly appreciated and commendable.
“As you celebrate today, it is my fervent prayer that God Almighty in His infinite mercy will continue to guide and guard you in all that you do.”