Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday visited the family of former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, in Abuja to express his condolences following the elder statesman’s death.
Prof. Isoun, a respected scholar from Bayelsa, died on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87. He was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the former University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, now Rivers State University.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Diri said Prof. Isoun’s death was a great loss not only to Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation but also to Nigeria, describing him as a statesman, mentor, activist and patriot who made lasting contributions to society.
The governor said he personally regarded the late professor as a father figure and recalled his last visit to him, describing the warm reception he received from Prof. Isoun and his wife.
“Personally, I have lost a father, a leader and an uncle. When I visited him here last year, he and our mother welcomed me warmly. I also want to appreciate his wife for standing by him and caring for him throughout his life,” Diri said.
He urged the family to take comfort in the remarkable legacy Prof. Isoun left behind.
According to the governor, the late academic played key roles in the struggle for resource control, the creation of Bayelsa State and the protection of the Niger Delta environment.
Diri also recalled an incident during the military era following the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. He said Prof. Isoun was among the first leaders of the Ijaw National Congress to sign a letter condemning the execution, despite expectations that he might hesitate.
“Many people thought he would question the letter because of his academic background, but he signed it immediately. That showed how committed he was to the Ijaw cause,” the governor said.
He added that Prof. Isoun mentored many young Ijaw leaders through environmental advocacy and nation-building efforts.
Responding on behalf of the family, his son, Diseye Isoun, thanked Governor Diri and his delegation for the visit, describing it as a source of comfort during the family’s period of mourning.
He also appreciated the support, prayers and solidarity shown by the Ijaw nation, Nigerians and friends of the family since his father’s passing.
Prof. Isoun’s wife, Miriam Isoun, also expressed gratitude to the visitors. She reflected on her life with her late husband, saying they worked together throughout their marriage and supported one another as they grew older.
Governor Diri was accompanied by several prominent Bayelsa leaders and government officials, including former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, members of the House of Representatives, traditional rulers and senior government appointees.
