Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has paid a condolence visit to the family of former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, describing the late elder statesman as an outstanding leader, environmental advocate and mentor whose contributions to the Ijaw nation and Nigeria will endure for generations.
Diri visited the family on Friday in Abuja, where he sympathised with the widow, children, extended family and the people of Odi community over the passing of the Bayelsa-born academic and public servant, who died on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87.
Prof. Isoun served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the former University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, now Rivers State University, before becoming Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology.
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During the visit, the governor described his relationship with the late professor as that of a father and son, recalling his last meeting with him and commending his wife, Miriam Isoun, for her devotion throughout his final years.
Diri urged the family to find comfort in the remarkable legacy left behind by the late statesman, noting his contributions to the struggle for resource control, environmental protection and the creation of Bayelsa State.
He also recalled Prof. Isoun’s unwavering commitment to the Ijaw cause, citing how he readily endorsed an Ijaw National Congress statement condemning the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa during the military era.
According to the governor, the late professor also mentored many young Ijaw leaders on environmental conservation through initiatives such as the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa.
Responding on behalf of the family, Diseye Isoun thanked Governor Diri and his delegation for the visit, describing the gesture as comforting during the period of mourning.
Miriam Isoun also expressed appreciation to the governor and reflected on her years with her late husband, describing their relationship as one built on shared commitment and mutual support.
Governor Diri was accompanied by senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers and political leaders from Bayelsa State.
