“How Pa Clark’s Passion for Education Shaped my life” – Senator Dickson

The Senate on Thursday held a special valedictory session to honour the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, with Senator Seriake Dickson offering a deeply personal tribute that highlighted the unsung impact of Clark’s educational legacy.

While tributes were pouring in on Clark’s national activism and political strength, Senator Dickson—former Governor of Bayelsa State shifted focus on how Clark’s commitment to education transformed individual lives, including his own.

“I probably wouldn’t be standing here today if not for the secondary school Pa Clark built in Toru-Beni,” he said. “There were no schools in our area at that time. His decision as Commissioner for Education to bring one to our community opened the door for my entire generation.”

Senator Dickson described Clark as a “colossus” whose influence spanned decades, yet who never lost sight of grassroots development. He noted that even in old age, Clark used his personal funds to establish the Edwin Clark University—further proving his dedication to learning and empowerment.

“Pa Clark didn’t just advocate for progress; he built it with his hands and heart. From the days of the Midwestern State to his mentorship of today’s leaders, he was always building—schools, bridges, institutions,” Dickson said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, echoed this sentiment, describing Clark as a “pillar of justice” and “father of modern South-South politics” whose contributions reached all corners of Nigeria.
“His voice was always firm for what was right. Nigeria has lost a giant,” Akpabio stated.

Senator Dickson went further to praise Clark’s mentoring role, saying, “His house was always open. As a governor, I could always consult him, and I was never turned away.”

He ended his tribute by urging current leaders to carry on Clark’s ideals of justice, inclusion, and service. “Let us rededicate ourselves to the Nigeria he believed in—a Nigeria where both the big and the small have a place.”

Chief Edwin Clark, who died at the age of 97, was a founding leader of PANDEF, a former Federal Commissioner, and a lifelong advocate for education, equity, and regional development.