Edwin Clark on Saturday urged Ijaw scholars and researchers to resolve the Niger Delta development question through research and documentation of the culture and struggles of the people of the region. 

Mr Clark spoke at the presentation and launch of a book: “Culture, Environment and The Niger Delta Question”, at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa.

The book is in honour of Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, and currently the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, FUO.

Mr Clark was represented by Boladei Igali, a former Nigeria Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries.

“Sometimes, people associate the Niger Delta with only oil, but there is a lot to talk about the Niger Delta. I think there is a lot of study to be done on the region.

“Ijaw and Niger Delta leaders have to be more interested in funding a lot of research on the Niger Delta.

“We must be able to document and gather data and publish so that the younger ones can have what to fall back on. This is a wake up call for all of us,” Mr Clark said. 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by a former Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, Tobias James, unveiled the book to the audience.

Represented by his Technical Adviser on Higher Education, Isaiah Stephen, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, recommended the book for all higher institutions.

(NAN)