Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, called the death of former Minister of Science and Technology, Turner Isoun, a big loss to the Ijaw nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria.
Mr Diri spoke during a condolence visit to the Isoun family in Abuja. This visit happened last weekend, according to a press statement.
He described the late professor of veterinary medicine and pathology as “more father than a mentor” to him. He remembered how Mr Isoun contributed to the Ijaw struggle and the growth of the riverine state.
Mr Isoun passed away on 15 July at the age of 87.
He was the Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was also the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, now known as Rivers State University.
Mr Diri pointed out that the late professor was an academic giant. He said Mr Isoun’s contributions to scholarship, science, and national development were “outstanding and immeasurable.”
He also remembered how Mr Isoun pushed for Nigeria’s information and communications technology sector during his time as minister. The Odi-born scientist will be remembered for his “candour, wise counsel, and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values.”
The governor added that Mr Isoun’s impact went beyond academia and public service. He helped in the fight for resource control and the creation of Bayelsa State.
Mr Diri shared a story that showed Mr Isoun’s dedication to the Ijaw cause. In 1995, after the military government executed environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) wrote a letter condemning the killings.
At that time, Mr Diri was the National Organising Secretary of the INC, and Mr Isoun was the chairman for the Central Zone. He and Godspower Oporomo, who is now the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, were tasked with getting members to sign the letter.
Mr Diri said he thought Mr Isoun would be careful about signing it because of the risks involved in standing against the military government. But he said the professor signed without thinking twice.
“That was how seriously Prof took Ijaw matters,” Mr Diri said.
The governor also remembered Mr Isoun’s work at the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa. There, he taught young people, including Mr Diri, about the environment and the importance of protecting the region.
He explained that the late professor’s involvement in resource control, environmental protection, and the creation of Bayelsa left “unforgettable footprints.”
Mr Diri sent his condolences to the Isoun family and encouraged them to find comfort in Mr Isoun’s contributions to the state and the country.
Diseye Isoun spoke on behalf of the family. He thanked Mr Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for their visit and support after his father’s death.
He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians, the Ijaw nation, and friends of the family worldwide for their prayers and 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 also paid tribute to her husband. She talked about their more than fifty years of marriage and the teamwork they had in family life, education, and public service.
“As Prof was getting old, we were all getting old together. But we supported each other so that aging becomes a privilege,” she noted.
Mr Isoun was a member 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 first Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.
As a minister, he was linked to efforts aimed at developing Nigeria’s ICT infrastructure and advancing the country’s space programme. He also served as chairman of the INC Central Zone and was part of the push for the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State in 1996.
Mr Diri was not alone during the visit. He was joined by a former deputy governor, two federal lawmakers, a traditional ruler, a senatorial candidate, and officials from the university and civil service.
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