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David Mark Urges Tinubu to Immortalize Clark, Adebanjo • Pa Clark ‘s a Moral Compass- Akpabio
Senator Mark noted that Clark and Adebanjo may not have seen a Nigeria of their dreams but they have laid a solid foundation for future growth and development.
Former President of the Senate, Senator David MarkSenator Mark on Tuesday, urged President Bola Tinubu to immortalize Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, for their selfless services and contributions to Nigeria.
Senator David Mark hopes that the ideals of patriotism, equal opportunities, unity, peace, and progress which the departed elder statesmen advocated will inspire Nigeria’s future growth.
The former Senate boss also consoles the immediate families, governments, and people of Ogun and Delta States just as he urged them to find solace in the credible legacies left behind by the two elder statesmen.
David Mark lamented over the demise of two elder statesmen and patriots: former Federal Commissioner for Information,
“Their demise marks the end of an era thus, creating a void in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape,” Mark stated.
Senator Mark described Clark and Adebanjo as the “last of the conscience of the nation, who tirelessly fought for a progressive Nigeria of equal opportunities for all.
“Both elder statesmen were united in their quest for an egalitarian society, free from oppression and marginalization.
” Senator Mark added that their exit is painful and regrettable, especially at this time when Nigeria needs men of good conscience and valour to address the numerous challenges.
However, Senator Mark noted that Clark and Adebanjo may not have seen a Nigeria of their dreams but they have laid a solid foundation for future growth and development.
He spoke truth to power, even when it was inconvenient, because he understood that leadership is not about comfort—it is about duty
Similarly, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a deeply felt condolence message, described Pa Clark’s demise as a monumental loss to Nigeria, the Niger Delta, and all who cherish unity, fairness, and national progress.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, a renowned statesman, nationalist, and Ijaw leader.
His dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development will remain evergreen in the hearts of those who knew him. As a nation, we have lost a true patriot and a champion of justice.”
At 97 years old, Pa Clark stood as a bridge between generations—his life a testament to resilience, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Nigeria.
From his early days as a councillor, to his service as a federal minister, to his revered role as a political father and advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan, he was not just a leader—he was a moral compass, reminding us all of the responsibility that comes with governance.
He was a warrior for the Niger Delta, a fearless advocate for equity and resource control, and an unrelenting defender of the oppressed.
He spoke truth to power, even when it was inconvenient, because he understood that leadership is not about comfort—it is about duty.
“Pa Clark’s remarkable life was marked by strength and an undying commitment to the unity of this country.
His voice, though now silenced, will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion.
” Beyond his national impact, I remember with deep gratitude his unwavering support for me, especially when I visited to seek his blessing and endorsement in my bid for the Senate Presidency.
His counsel was always rooted in wisdom, his encouragement a reflection of his deep commitment to responsible leadership.
In a moment now filled with sorrowful reflection, I recall that just a week before his passing, I sent emissaries to check on him, never imagining that it would be the last time we would reach out to him in this world.
I did not know that he was preparing for a greater journey, leaving behind the toils of this earth for the eternal peace of the better world beyond.
On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the entire Senate, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, PANDEF, the people and government of Delta State, and every Nigerian who knew and loved him.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will, on Thursday, send off Team Nigeria, ahead of the contingent’s departure to the United Kingdom for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The send-off event, which will take place at the Presidential Villa, is part of the President’s show of support for the Nigerian contingent before they depart the shores of the nation to begin the final phase of preparations before the Games.
President Tinubu is expected to charge the athletes and officials to compete with honour and resilience for which Nigerians are renowned.
Nigeria is looking to build on its impressive outing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where the country emerged as the highest-ranked African nation on the medals table after winning 35 medals comprising 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze.
Team Nigeria has been in camp in Abuja, where athletes have been undergoing intensive training in preparation for the Games. The contingent is scheduled to depart Nigeria on Friday for Aberdeen, Scotland, to undertake a three-week training camp before proceeding to Glasgow, the host city of the Games.
Nigeria will compete in 10 sports at the Commonwealth Games, with a contingent of 74 athletes expected to represent the country.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete for honours in various sporting events.
President Tinubu has previously expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to excel on the international stage and has constantly assured athletes of the Federal Government’s support at all times.
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Benue to establish 13 digital learning centres
Adagba said that the initiative aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s digital transformation agenda for the education sector.
The Benue State Government has announced plans to establish 13 Digital Learning Centres (DLCs) in selected schools to improve access to technology-driven education.
The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Grace Adagba, disclosed this during the Federal Ministry of Education–Universal Basic Education Commission (FME-UBEC) Roundtable on Digital Resources in Abuja, Tuesday.
Adagba said that the initiative aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s digital transformation agenda for the education sector.
She highlighted the state’s ongoing digital education programmes and reaffirmed SUBEB’s commitment to adopting digital innovations introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC.
News
Nigeria’s data centers worth $2bn
The Central Bank of Nigeria had in a circular dated June 15, 2026, directed all financial institutions and payment operators to store and manage payment transaction data generated within Nigeria on local servers, giving the industry until January 1, 2027 to achieve full compliance.
The Open Access Data Centre (OADC) has projected that the data center market in Nigeria is valued at $2 billion.
Nigeria’s data center ecosystem is largely concentrated in Lagos, especially in and around the Lekki-Victoria Island corridor. Major operators like Unitella Edge Cloud, Rack Centre, Equinix (MainOne).
MTN Nigeria operates the Tier III certified Sifiso Dabengwa Data Centre, located in Ikeja, Lagos, and Africa Data Centres provide Tier III colocation services, while Galaxy Backbone operates the country’s first Tier IV facility.
Speaking at a virtual interactive session with journalists, the OADC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayotunde Coker, said local servers’ owners have the capacity to host banks and other financial institutions’ data locally.
“The infrastructure argument is over. The only thing left is execution”, Coker said.
The OADC CEO allayed the fear of inadequate infrastructure with the precision of someone who has spent a decade building the infrastructure at the centre of the debate.
The Central Bank of Nigeria had in a circular dated June 15, 2026, directed all financial institutions and payment operators to store and manage payment transaction data generated within Nigeria on local servers, giving the industry until January 1, 2027 to achieve full compliance.
The directive addressed to deposit money banks, microfinance banks, mobile money operators, switching and processing companies, payment terminal service providers, payment solution service providers, super agents, and other licensed payment operators has since triggered a wave of institutional anxiety, centred primarily on whether Nigeria’s data centre ecosystem can absorb the compliance load or not.
The CBN had warned that compliance will be closely monitored and that supervisory sanctions will be imposed on defaulting institutions.
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