In Mourning J.P. Clark, Obaseki Calls Him ‘A Great Academic, Celebrated Poet’
The Oasis Reporters
October 14, 2020
When the transition of iconic emeritus professor John Pepper Clark who had trained at Nigeria’s premier University, University of Ibadan got to the notice of Edo State governor, himself an alumnus of the citadel of learning, he released a touching statement as the University of Lagos where J P Clark retired from was also mourning the death of the 85 year old icon:
It is with a great sense of shock and foreboding that I received the sad news of the passing of Emeritus Professor of Literature and renowned writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark, whose death was announced on Tuesday.
Prof. John Pepper Clark was a great academic and a celebrated poet, who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s advancement through his numerous works.
His literary exploits brought honour and great respect to Nigeria, and his contributions to literature and education in general will outlive many generations.
His writings mirrored the society all through our development as a nation and he raised his pen when it mattered the most to condemn societal ills that threatened our collective existence and advancement as a nation as well as a continent.
My heart goes out to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, in Delta State, at this time, and I urge them to find solace in the impactful life Prof. John Pepper Clark lived. We thank God for giving us a man of such rare talent and may his soul rest in peace.
Signed
Godwin Obaseki,
Governor, Edo State
