Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has described the death of former Minister of Science and Technology, Turner Isoun, as a major loss to the Ijaw nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria. Governor Diri made this known during a condolence visit to the Isoun family in Abuja, as part of a delegation from the Bayelsa State Government.
The visit, which took place last weekend, was marked by heartfelt tributes to the late professor of veterinary medicine and pathology. Governor Diri, who described Isoun as "more father than a mentor" to him, highlighted the late minister's contributions to the Ijaw struggle and the development of the riverine state.
Who Was Turner Isoun?
Professor Turner Isoun passed away on 15 July at the age of 87. He served as Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Before his ministerial role, he was the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, now known as Rivers State University.
Governor Diri noted that Isoun was an "academic colossus" whose contributions to scholarship, science, and national development were "outstanding and immeasurable." He also recalled Isoun's role in advancing Nigeria's information and communications technology (ICT) sector during his tenure as minister, stating that the Odi-born scientist would be remembered for his "candour, wise counsel, and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values."
Commitment to Ijaw Cause
The governor emphasised that Isoun's contributions extended beyond academia and public service to the struggle for resource control and the creation of Bayelsa State. He shared a poignant memory from 1995, following the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists by the military government. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) had drafted a letter condemning the killings, and Diri, then the National Organising Secretary of the INC, and Godspower Oporomo, now Bayelsa State Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, were tasked with circulating the letter for signatures.
Diri said he expected Isoun, who was then chairman of the INC Central Zone, to be cautious about endorsing the document due to the risks of opposing the military government. However, Isoun signed without hesitation. "That was how seriously Prof took Ijaw matters," Diri said.
The governor also recalled Isoun's work at the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa, where he taught young people, including Diri himself, about the environment and the need to protect the region. He explained that Isoun's involvement in issues such as resource control, environmental protection, and the creation of Bayelsa left "unforgettable footprints."
Family's Gratitude
Responding on behalf of the family, Diseye Isoun thanked Governor Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for the visit and support. He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians, the Ijaw nation, and friends of the family worldwide for their prayers and expressions of support. "We appreciate Governor Diri for this visit and the support of the Bayelsa State Government. We are equally grateful to Nigerians, the Ijaw nation, and friends across the world for standing with us during this difficult time," he said.
Miriam Isoun, the late professor's wife, paid a touching tribute to her husband, recalling their more than five decades of marriage. "As Prof was getting old, we were all getting old together. But we supported each other so that aging becomes a privilege," she noted.
Legacy and Contributions
Professor Isoun was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences. He held academic and administrative positions at the University of Nigeria and the University of Ibadan before becoming the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. As minister, he was associated with efforts to develop Nigeria's ICT infrastructure and advance the country's space programme.
He also served as chairman of the INC Central Zone and was actively involved in the agitation for the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State in 1996. Governor Diri was accompanied on the condolence visit by a former deputy governor, two federal lawmakers, a traditional ruler, a senatorial candidate, and officials from the university and civil service.
The late professor's death is indeed a significant loss, not only to his family but to the entire nation, as his contributions to science, education, and the Ijaw cause will be remembered for generations to come.
