Gov Diri Mourns Former Science Minister, Isoun, Hails His Enduring Legacy

July 17, 2026

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Timinepre Isoun, describing him as an outstanding academic, visionary leader, and one of Nigeria's greatest contributors to science, technology and national development.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said the late Professor of Veterinary Medicine left behind an enduring legacy through his remarkable contributions to education, innovation and public service.

The governor described Isoun's passing as a significant loss to Nigeria, Bayelsa State and the entire Ijaw nation, recalling his pioneering role as the first Vice-Chancellor of the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, where he laid the foundation for the country's first university dedicated to science and technology.

Diri also commended the late statesman's impactful tenure as Minister of Science and Technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that he championed key reforms that transformed Nigeria's ICT and space technology sectors.

According to the governor, Prof. Isoun played a leading role in the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, while also overseeing landmark achievements such as the launch of NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R, milestones that positioned Nigeria among Africa's leading space technology nations.

He further described the Odi-born scholar as a respected elder statesman whose wisdom, candour and unwavering commitment to the Ijaw cause earned him widespread admiration.

Governor Diri extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to the Isoun family, the people of Odi, and all those affected by the loss, urging them to find comfort in the late professor's lasting contributions to the nation.

Beyond his achievements in academia and government, Prof. Isoun was also recognised for his role in the struggle for the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996 and for serving as Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), where he remained a strong advocate for the development and unity of the Ijaw people.