The family of the Late Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, have announced that the final internment of the late elder statesman will be held on the 13th of May, 2025.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the eldest son of the family, Mr Penaowei Clark, during a press briefing, where he stated that the programme of events will run from Wednesday the 7th of May, 2025, to Sunday, the 18th of May 2025.

Chief Edwin Clark died at his Abuja residence on the 17th of February, 2025 aged 97, after a brief illness.

Until his death, Chief Clark, who was one time Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 was an advocate for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta regions, and also founded the Southern and Middle-Belt Forum

In his address, Mr Clark said the program of events was put together with the collective effort and partnership of the Delta State Government, the Federal Government, PANDEF, and community leaders “to honour and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of my father, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.”

“Today we are gathered to announce the date and full programme of events for his (Chief Clark’s) funeral, which will run from Wednesday 7th May 2025 through Sunday 18th May 2025.

“On Wednesday, 7th May 2025, Memorial Lecture and Tributes at NAF Conference Centre and Suite Abuja at 11am. Thursday, 8th May 2025, Valedictory Session at Senate Chambers, National Assembly Complex in Abuja at 11am. Saturday, 10th May 2025, Wrestling Contest in Yenagoa. Service of Songs at St. James’s Anglican Church at Asokoro, Abuja at 5pm. Candlelight Memorial at 43 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, 7pm-8pm,” he said.

On Sunday, 11th May 2024, a Service of Songs will be held at the Royal House of Grace International Church, Port Harcourt, at 4pm. On Monday, the 12th of May 2025, a Commendation Service will be held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, at 8am, while a Simultaneous Valedictory Court Session will be held at the High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State, at 10am.

“Following this, my father will depart Abuja for Yenagoa and Warri with lying in state and commendation services at key locations, Ijaw House at Yenagoa, 1.30pm to 2.30pm; Warri lying in state from 6.30pm to 7pm at No. 5 Swamp Road, GRA. The body will then proceed to Kiagola Town, Delta State.

“Tuesday 13th May 2025, lying in state in Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, 10am to 10.30am. Commendation Service, 10.30am to 11am. Funeral Service, St Peter’s Anglican Church in Kiagola, 11am. Reception and internment, 1pm onward. All night vigil from 5pm,” he added.

Mr Clark also disclosed that there will be a novelty match between Team Clark (Izon, Urhobo and Itsekiri) and the Rest of Nigeria on Saturday 17th May, 2025, at the Mein Grammar School Field in Kiagbodo, and the programme will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service on the 18th of May.

He thanked friends and well-wishers of the family for their support since the passing of his father, whom he described as “a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and unity of Nigeria,” who had left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

“We are humbled by the immense support, prayers, and tributes we have received since the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR, who peacefully passed away on the 17th of February 2025, dedicating his nearly century-long life to the service of Nigeria.

His contributions as a visionary leader, founding father of PANDEF, a founding father of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, (1:07) and a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and unity of Nigeria, have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the rumour that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and replacement of lost Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) nationwide would resume on 27th May 2025.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the report was untrue, stressing that the Commission had not announced any resumption date for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

The statement read, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a misleading report making the rounds, that we will resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and replacement of lost Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) on 27th May 2025.

“The report is untrue. The Commission has not announced any resumption date for the CVR.

“We appeal to the public to disregard the false narrative”.

Hundreds of worshippers thronged the inaugural service of Bishop David Abioye’s newly established ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, marking a new chapter in the renowned cleric’s spiritual journey.

Bishop Abioye, the former Vice President of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), formally announced the birth of the new assembly before a packed congregation made up of longtime followers, ministers, and first-time attendees.

In a now-viral video from the event, Abioye made it clear that the establishment of the new church was not motivated by personal ambition or public pressure but was in obedience to divine instruction.

“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church, but by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the world, which is just coming to light at His own time,” he declared.

BREAKING NEWS!

BISHOP DAVID ABIOYE INAUGURATES CHURCH AS LIVING WORD CONQUERORS GLOBAL ASSEMBLY

Says "The Inauguration of this Assembly is not in response of People to start a Church…"#BishopDavidAbioye#InaugurationService#ConquerorsGlobalAssembly#SupersonicSunday… pic.twitter.com/Vd6hp60hd9

— therealchurchgist (@therealchurchg1) May 4, 2025

He described the ministry as an extension of the universal church of Christ, continuing the mission of spreading the gospel globally in accordance with the Great Commission.

“This is simply an offshoot of the Church of Jesus Universal, which keeps expanding and spreading across the globe… Of which I consider myself a messenger of a fraction, as no one person can fulfil the entire Great Commission,” he said.

Bishop Abioye officially inaugurated Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly in the name of the Trinity and welcomed all attendees to what he called “a place of spiritual triumph.”

“Stepping into this assembly is stepping out of failure, stepping out of defeat, stepping out of calamities, and stepping into endless triumph,” he declared to loud cheers from the congregation.