… Place Edwin Clark alongside Zik on N500 Note ~ James
The National Vice President 2 of Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief Alabo Nengi James, has urged the Federal Government to immortalize late Chief Edwin Clark, by placing his image alongside that of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe on the five hundred note.
He said this will mirror the dual-image format of the one thousand naira note.
Alabo Nengi James made the call during an interactive secession with members of the Federated Correspondent Chapel (FCC) at the chapel secretariat in Yenagoa the bayelsa state capital.
Speaking further, he said, the Nigerian Local Content headquarters in Yenagoa should also be renamed in his honour, saying this is in recognition of Clark’s tireless advocacy for the right of the oil-producing region.
He also called on Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers state governments in collaboration with BRACED commission and the Nigerian government to establish and support Edwin Clark Foundation.
“The foundation should organize an annual lecture series, Edwin Clark Awards and to perpetuate the memory of his life and contribution.
“Already the late sage has established an existing university in kiagbodo, his home town, so the Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta state governments should each construct structures, such as hostels, at the University, serving as enduring monuments to his recognition by these states.
” The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should conduct a needs assessment of Edwin Clark University and provide essential amenities to the institution, considering Pa Clark’s pivotal role, alongside the late Dappa Biriye, in the establishment of the NDDC”.
He further said, while befitting burial is essential, it is not sufficient to truly honour Pa Clark’s legacy. ” Pa Clark was an institution in himself,an examplary leader, and a true national figure for the Niger Delta people.
“Undoubtedly, Pa deserves a monumental and befitting immortalization. No sacrifice is to great to properly honour his legacy,” he said
Nengi James who was the former national youth leader of the South South People’s Conference SSOPEC said, he gained invaluable knowledge from the late nationalist figures. ” Tireless advocates for the people of Niger Delta and their true identity, who relentlessly championed equity and justice for the indigenous communities inhabiting the coastal territories and beyond, where Nigeria’s abundant oil and gas resources lie”.
