Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has mourned the death of former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Timinepre Isoun.
He described him as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to education, governance and national development will remain unforgettable.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said the late Odi-born academic dedicated his life to advancing science, public service and the development of the Ijaw nation.
Diri recalled that Professor Isoun made history as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, where he laid the foundation for the institution’s growth as Nigeria’s first university dedicated to science and technology.
Diri added that Isoun played an active role in the struggle for the creation of Bayelsa State. As chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress, he joined other prominent Ijaw leaders in advocating for the state’s creation from the old Rivers State in 1996.
The governor said the late professor would be remembered for his integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Ijaw people.
Isoun served as Minister of Science and Technology between 2000 and 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his tenure, he helped shape several initiatives that strengthened Nigeria’s science, technology and digital sectors.
Among the achievements linked to his time in office were the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the creation of Galaxy Backbone to improve government ICT infrastructure, and the launch of Nigeria’s first satellites, including NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.
Diri described the late professor as an exceptional academic and public servant whose influence extended beyond the classroom into national development.
He added that Isoun’s death was a great loss to the state, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.
The governor conveyed the condolences of the state government to the Isoun family and the people of Odi, urging them to find solace in the remarkable legacy of service, scholarship and leadership he left behind.
