President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned foremost writer, J P Clark, who passed on on Tuesday.
He was 85.
Describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest poets, Buhari said the marks he made were indelible.
The tribute is contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.:
The statement read, “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Muhammadu Buhari extends 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.”
