Former Minister, Turner Isoun Is Dead

Former Minister, Turner Isoun Is Dead
Diri praises Isoun’s contributions to education, technology and national development.
Late minister played key roles in NITDA, Galaxy Backbone and Bayelsa’s creation.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has expressed sadness over the death of former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, describing him as an accomplished scholar whose contributions to education, science and national development will remain enduring.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Professor Isoun, who served as Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, died in Abuja on July 15 at the age of 87.

Governor Diri’s tribute was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah.

The governor described the late professor of veterinary medicine as an intellectual giant whose influence extended beyond academia into public service and national development.

According to Diri, Isoun’s passing is a great loss not only to Bayelsa State but also to the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.

He said the former minister distinguished himself through exceptional scholarship, dedicated public service and an unwavering commitment to the country’s development.

Governor Diri also recalled Isoun’s tenure as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, noting that he laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s first university of science and technology.

He further commended the late academic for his role in advancing Nigeria’s science and technology sector during his years as a minister.

“The Odi-born scientist would be greatly missed for his candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values,” Diri said.

Professor Isoun is widely recognised for driving major reforms in Nigeria’s science and technology sector during his time in office.

He championed the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which has become a key institution in promoting digital innovation and technology development across the country.

He also played a leading role in the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, the government owned information and communications technology company established to strengthen public sector digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity.

Under his leadership, Nigeria recorded significant achievements in space technology, including the launch of pioneering satellites such as NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.

Beyond science and technology, Isoun was actively involved in the political and socio cultural development of the Niger Delta.

He served as Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress and was among the prominent figures who championed the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State in 1996.

Governor Diri extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to the family of the late statesman, the people of Odi community and the entire Ijaw nation.

He urged them to take comfort in Professor Isoun’s remarkable legacy, noting that his contributions to education, governance, science and national development would continue to inspire generations to come.