By Seyi Babalola
A special documentary programme to honour renowned ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark and celebrate his life and times would begin airing this weekend.
The two part documentary programme on his many contributions to the peace, unity, and development of Nigeria and produced by First News On-line will be aired on national television stations beginning with Arise News on Sunday May 11 by 7.30pm and will also be available on First News TV’s Youtube Channel.
A statement by the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of First News, Dr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the first part of the documentary programme, featured Chief Clark’s journey to greatness, through education, determination and resilience, despite numerous challenges.
According to him, the 30-minute star studded documentary also tells a compelling story with stunning testimonies of how the late sage stood and fought for what is right, even in the face of intimidation including threat to his life and family.
The second part of the documentary captured key ideals of the departed elder statesman and Pan-Nigerian, his death and the lessons of his character and personality.
Iworiso-Marskon explained the reason for the production of the documentary.
He said, “We all know that our revered father was a great man. Yes, there are stories about him including his memoirs and book, ‘Brutally Frank’, but we were driven by the need to have a video document to help preserve his legacies and also for the coming generations to know that there was a man called Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark who came, saw and conquered.
“There is so much to learn from him, and the documentary will provide that guide which in turn will shape the thought process of our young ones. We believe that with this little effort of ours, more E.K. Clarks will emerge and continue to push for what is right for our country.
“To put it succinctly, the documentary is a fitting tribute to Chief Clark’s remarkable life and legacy, offering valuable lessons for generations to come.
“In putting this documentary together, we transversed the length and breadth of the country, interviewing those who knew him, worked closely with him, and could bear eloquent testimony to his unique nature.”
Iworiso-Markson expressed appreciation to the Governors of Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri; Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Rivers States, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Group CEO of Century Group, Ken Etete for their supports in ensuring the successful production of the documentary.
He also thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson; elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali and members of PANDEF, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) as well as members of the Clark family.
