Late Niger Delta Leader Edwin Clark Celebrated At 20th Silverbird Awards
A Night of Tribute and Reflection
NIGERIA’S political and cultural elite gathered at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on 1st March 2026, as the 20th edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year (SMOTY) Awards celebrated outstanding national figures. Among the most emotional moments of the evening was the posthumous conferment of a Lifetime Achievement Award on elder statesman Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Clark, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and a leading voice from the Niger Delta, passed away in 2025. His recognition at the milestone edition of the awards underscored his enduring influence on national discourse and advocacy for justice, equity and minority rights.
The Silverbird Man of the Year Awards, organized by Silverbird Group, have over two decades grown into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious platforms for honouring individuals who have made lasting contributions to the country’s development.
Family Accepts Award with Gratitude
Receiving the award on behalf of the Clark family was Hon. Ebikeme Clark, Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure. Visibly moved, he expressed profound appreciation to the organizers, led by Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of Silverbird Group.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank Silverbird Productions under the leadership of Senator Ben Murray-Bruce. We are very happy and very grateful that this honour has been done to our father,” he said.
He noted that the recognition, coming barely a year after Clark’s passing, was both timely and meaningful to the family and associates of the late nationalist.
A Voice for Justice and Unity
Ebikeme Clark described his father as a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, fairness and national unity. According to him, the elder statesman’s advocacy went beyond ethnic and regional interests.
“All of us in this room can attest to the fact that Chief Dr. Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was the father of Nigeria. He stood for all Nigerians; he stood for justice, he stood for equity and he stood for fair play,” he said.
Throughout his career, Clark was known as a forthright defender of minority rights, particularly for communities in the oil-rich Niger Delta. He was also regarded as a consistent participant in national debates, often speaking candidly on issues of governance, resource control and federalism.
His son emphasized that Clark’s courage was matched by humility and moral conviction.
“He taught us how to be humble, how to be firm and how to stand for the truth. That was what he did throughout his life,” he added.
Legacy Rooted in Service
The award ceremony also highlighted Clark’s broader legacy as a nationalist who saw Nigeria’s unity as inseparable from justice and equity. His contributions to political discourse spanned decades, influencing conversations on constitutional reform, minority inclusion and national integration.
Ebikeme Clark acknowledged the presence of extended family members at the ceremony, including representatives of the Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
“We are indeed very grateful for this honour,” he said, noting that the family remains committed to preserving Clark’s ideals.
As tributes poured in during the anniversary celebration, it became clear that Clark’s impact extended far beyond the Niger Delta. For many in attendance, the Lifetime Achievement Award symbolized not only recognition of a life well lived but also a reaffirmation of the principles he championed.
