News

JP Clark: Buhari, others console Edwin Clark for loss of poet brother

Published

5 years ago

October 14, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a condolence message to a former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, for the demise of his younger brother, John Pepper Clark, an emeritus professor of literature and renowned writer.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, are among other people that have paid tributes to the literary icon, who died on Tuesday at the age of 86, according to a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark and Mr Ilaye Clark, for the family.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce that emeritus professor of literature and renowned writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark, has finally dropped his pen in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 13 October, 2020.

“Prof. J. P. Clark has paddled on to the great beyond in comfort of his wife, children and sibling, around him.

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

President Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said JP Clark’s death would leave a huge vacuum in the literary world.

It stated, “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Muhammadu Buhari extends the deepest condolence to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family on the passing of renowned writer and emeritus professor of literature, Prof. John Pepper Clark.

“President Buhari pays tribute to one of Nigeria’s finest poets, dramatist and recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award for literary excellence, whose repertoire of published works depicts the hard work of a great man, devoted to a lifetime of writing, knowledge and promotion of the indigenous culture of the Ijaw nation.

“Acknowledging that Prof. J.P. Clark’s exit has, indeed, left an indelible mark in the literary world, President Buhari takes solace that his body of literary works, which earned him recognition and respect both at home and abroad, would continue to inspire upcoming Nigerian writers to pursue literary excellence and flourish in their chosen vocation.

“The President’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of the departed patriot, the government and people of Delta State and the literary community in the country.

“He prays for the peaceful repose of the soul departed.”

Governor Obaseki described the late Clark as “a great academic, celebrated poet, adding, “His literary exploits brought honour and great respect to Nigeria and his contributions to literature and education, in general, will outlive many generations.”

Governor Okowa of Delta, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the literary world had lost an enigma whose works would continue to dominate the contemporary Nigerian society.

He said, “The literary works of Professor J.P. Clark promoted Delta, Nigeria and Africa, hence his demise is being celebrated by lovers of literature all over the world.

“As a serial award-winner in poetry, the late Prof. Clark was a consummate patriot, a great literary icon and a teacher par excellence, whose literary publications inspired deep thoughts, especially on social-economic and political themes.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family over the passing of renowned poet, literary giant and playwright, Emeritus Professor John Pepper Clark.”

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who described him as a literary colossus, said, “As we all mourn the transition of this great African to eternal life, our heartfelt condolences go to his dear family and our dear Papa, Chief Edwin Clark.

“Forever, the world shall recall the intellectual stature and contributions of Prof Emeritus John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo.”

A famous playwright, Prof. Femi Osofisan, saw the late poet as a complex personality, noting, “He was an embodiment of contradictions in his personality, but what interests us is his talent as a poet and writer and conscience of society.

“He wasn’t a protest poet, but was very political in his writing. He was very concerned about the issues that pertain to society.

“We are going to miss him. I would personally miss him because he is my friend and mentor.”

Born on December 6, 1933, in Kiagbodo, to an Ijaw father and Urhobo mother, Clark received his early education at the Native Authority School, Okrika (Ofinibenya-Ama), in Burutu Local Government Area (then Western Ijaw) and the Government College in Ughelli.

He had his BA degree in English at the University of Ibadan, where he edited various magazines, including the Beacon and The Horn.

He had worked as an information officer in the Ministry of Information, in the old Western Region of Nigeria, after graduation from Ibadan in 1960, as features editor of the Daily Express, and as a research fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.

He served for several years as a Professor of English at the University of Lagos and retired in 1980.

In 1982, along with his wife, Ebun Odutola (a professor and former director of the Centre for Cultural Studies at the University of Lagos), he founded the PEC Repertory Theatre in Lagos.

He held visiting professorial appointments at several institutions of higher learning, including Yale and Wesleyan University in the United States.

Clark was most noted for his poetry

News

FG Allocates ₦5.6bn for New Carter Bridge as Old Structure Fails Safety Test

Published

6 minutes ago

March 5, 2026

Trends Admin

FG Allocates ₦5.6bn for New Carter Bridge as Old Structure Fails Safety Test

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the demolition and complete reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos, declaring the ageing structure beyond rehabilitation. The decision aims to ensure road safety, reduce congestion, and modernize one of Nigeria’s most critical transport arteries.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed after the council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu that ₦5.6 billion has been allocated to hire advanced engineering consultants for the design and cost assessment of the new bridge. Umahi explained that extensive technical assessments and consultations revealed that the current bridge could no longer safely serve traffic.

“The total recommendation was that Carter Bridge can no longer be rehabilitated; it should be demolished and a new bridge constructed,” Umahi said.

Carter Bridge connects Lagos Island to the mainland and is a vital corridor for commuters, cargo vehicles, and commercial traffic. Its reconstruction is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve transportation safety, and support economic activity in Nigeria’s largest commercial hub.

Part of a Nationwide Infrastructure Upgrade

The Carter Bridge project forms part of a broader federal infrastructure program. FEC also approved several major road projects across the country, including:

Reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Road in the Southwest
Redesign of the Kano–Kongolam Road in Northern Nigeria
Rehabilitation of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Abaji Road in the North-Central region
Completion of the Suleja–Minna Road
Reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja Road

Umahi emphasized that these are strategic, long-term infrastructure projects, not temporary fixes, and the government aims to deliver at least four completed projects per region for presidential commissioning by May 15.

“These are not palliative works; they are major infrastructure projects for national development,” the minister added.

Modernization and Economic Impact

The new Carter Bridge will incorporate contemporary engineering standards, enhanced durability, and increased capacity for vehicles and pedestrians. Officials say the project will also attract private sector participation, create skilled jobs, and strengthen Lagos’ transport network.

By replacing the ageing structure, the federal government intends to ensure that major transport routes across Nigeria meet modern safety and operational standards, while supporting economic growth and improving daily mobility for millions of Lagos residents.

FG Allocates ₦5.6bn for New Carter Bridge as Old Structure Fails Safety Test

News

ICPC, NRC Forge Anti-Graft Alliance to Safeguard Rail Assets

Published

14 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Trends Admin

ICPC, NRC Forge Anti-Graft Alliance to Safeguard Rail Assets

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has pledged closer collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to strengthen transparency and accountability in the country’s rail sector.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RAAC), Lagos Office, Mr. Alexander Chukwumah, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at the corporation’s headquarters.

Chukwumah said the commission was prepared to support the NRC through targeted training programmes aimed at equipping staff with the knowledge to identify and avoid actions that could expose them to corruption-related offences.

He explained that the initiative aligns with the ICPC’s public education mandate to promote integrity across public institutions.

He urged the management of the corporation to work closely with its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, noting that members of the unit had been trained to detect early warning signs and red flags capable of preventing minor lapses from escalating into major institutional crises.

According to him, the visit was also to reinforce the cordial relationship between both agencies and reciprocate the goodwill earlier extended by the railway corporation.

“ICPC is committed to ensuring that NRC workers stay out of trouble. There are ways we can guide you and your team to avoid actions that could expose them to corruption risks,” Chukwumah said.

In his response, Opeifa welcomed the partnership and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the anti-graft agency to entrench transparency within the corporation.

The NRC boss observed that the railway system could have achieved greater milestones over the years but for corruption-related setbacks that slowed its growth.

He requested the commission to organise a capacity-building programme for heads of departments and senior management staff to sharpen their understanding of compliance standards and ethical decision-making.

Opeifa identified vandalism of railway infrastructure as a major operational challenge, stressing that the destruction of critical assets continues to strain service delivery.

As part of efforts to curb the menace, he presented anti-vandalism sweatshirts to the ICPC delegation bearing the inscription: “Rails and railway assets are critical national treasures and not scraps.”

He maintained that the corporation operates a strict disciplinary regime, warning that any staff found culpable of collusion or sabotage faces immediate dismissal.

He also commended NRC engineers and other personnel for sustaining operations despite logistical and infrastructural challenges.

On the corporation’s long-term direction, Opeifa reiterated the NRC’s Vision 2-5-10-20 development framework aimed at modernising and expanding the rail network.

He said the first phase prioritises optimising legacy lines and reviving abandoned corridors that once served as economic lifelines, including the Kaduna–Nguru–Kaura Namoda route, with plans to restore services to Zamfara State within the year.

He added that the corporation is advancing a freight-by-rail drive under its “Railing with the States” initiative to enable sub-national governments leverage rail infrastructure for economic growth and enhance connectivity to the nation’s seaports.

Opeifa further disclosed that the NRC plans to gradually transition from diesel-powered locomotives to cleaner energy sources such as gas within the next five years, subject to funding, while working towards doubling Nigeria’s rail assets by 2035.

News

Tinubu swears in Disu as substantive IGP, chief inaugurates up state police committee

Published

18 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu swears in Disu as substantive IGP, chief inaugurates up state police committee

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, as the new police chief immediately inaugurated a committee to drive the implementation of state policing.

Disu took the oath of office at 2:53pm after his citation was read by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye.

The brief ceremony, witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council and other top government officials, preceded the FEC meeting, which commenced at 3:01pm.

Among dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Head of Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack.

The President also swore in newly appointed commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Disu’s confirmation followed his unanimous endorsement by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday, barely a week after Tinubu appointed him acting IGP in the wake of the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, on February 23, 2026.

At Monday’s Police Council meeting, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reportedly commended Disu’s track record, particularly his tenure as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos between 2015 and 2021.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, also described the appointment as merit-based, while Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, seconded the motion endorsing him.

Disu, 59, joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992. Before his elevation, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos. He previously held key roles in Lagos and Rivers states.

Hours after his inauguration, the new IGP held his first formal engagement with senior officers, during which he announced the constitution of an eight-member committee to oversee the implementation of state policing.

Professor Olu Ogunsakin was named chairman of the committee.

Addressing the force hierarchy, Disu said leadership was “not about position but responsibility,” stressing that professionalism, discipline and accountability must guide policing nationwide.

He underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of authority and respect for human rights, insisting that all Nigerians must be treated with dignity and fairness irrespective of status.

The IGP also pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms, directing that the Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad be empowered to operate independently.

On decentralisation, Disu said state policing would enable different tiers of government to play more active roles in addressing security challenges across the country.