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By Amos Odhe
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described late former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, as a father, mentor and statesman whose life shaped the Ijaw struggle and Nigeria’s academic space.
Prof. Isoun, a Bayelsa-born scholar, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the erstwhile University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, died on July 15, 2026 at the age of 87.
Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa when he led a delegation on a condolence visit to the Abuja residence of the family, on Friday, Governor Diri commiserated with the widow, Mrs. Miriam Isoun, the family and the Odi community.
Diri described the death of Prof Isoun as a great loss to Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation. He said, “the Ijaw nation lost a leader who impacted lives across academia, activism and public service.
“Personally, I lost a father, a leader and an uncle. I remember visiting him here last year and I took photographs with him and our mother, his wife. I’m aware how she took care of him until his passing and I want to appreciate you for being there for him. Since you came into this family, you have been an anchor, raising your children and at the same time taking care of us that are not your biological children.”
The governor urged the family to take solace in the legacies left by the late professor, stressing that his contributions to resource control advocacy, the creation of Bayelsa State and environmental protection remain indelible.
Recalling his association with Isoun during the military era, Diri narrated how the late professor, then Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Central Zone, was the first to sign a letter condemning the execution of Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
“Before visiting Prof, we all thought, including our president then, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, that he would raise some academic argument and might not sign the letter. But to our surprise, without asking questions, he was the first to sign it. That was how seriously Prof took Ijaw matters,” he said.
Diri also credited Isoun with mentoring young Ijaw leaders on environmental conservation, particularly through initiatives around the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa. “He did so much. Indeed, we lost a father, a mentor and a true Ijaw son,” the governor added.
Responding on behalf of the family, the late professor’s son, Diseye Isoun, thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit, saying the family was humbled by the show of love and solidarity.
He also appreciated the Ijaw nation, Nigerians and friends of the family across the world for their prayers and support since the patriarch’s passing.
In her remarks, Mrs. Miriam Isoun recalled her decades of partnership with her husband in service and scholarship.
“Through one organisation or another, through one training or another, we worked together. As Prof was getting old, we were all getting old together. But we supported each other so that aging becomes a privilege,” she said.
Governor Diri was accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); House of Representatives members, Dr. Fred Agbedi and Dr. Mitema Obordor; Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomo; Chairman of Bayelsa Civil Service Commission, Perekiye Buruboyefe; and Technical Adviser on International Development, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.
Others on the visit were the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo; APC Bayelsa West senatorial candidate, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki; Chairman of Bayelsa Medical University Governing Council, Prof. Tarela Tebepah; and Dr. Isaac Kumokou.
The governor concluded the visit with prayers for the repose of Prof. Isoun’s soul and for God’s comfort for the bereaved family.
