Breaking: Professor of Literature, J.P Clark, Dies |The Source

By Charles Igbo

Nigeria lost one of its prominent sons Tuesday morning.

Professor John Pepper Clark, renowned Poet, and Emeritus  Professor of Literature, passed on at the age 85 years.

An unconfirmed source informed this magazine that the Professor died of  COVID-19.

A statement, announcing his passing, signed by his brother, Professor C.C Clark on behalf of the family, and Ilaye Clark, on behalf of the children, said:

“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce that Emeritus Professor of Literature, and renowned  writer, Professor  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.

The late Professor comes from a renowned family, and was a younger sibling of Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin K Clark.

A family friend described his passing as sad and sudden, considering that he was in good health a few weeks ago. “We thought he would live till age 100. But, now, this”, he bemoaned.

Professor Clark hailed from Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government  Area, Delta State.