Bayelsa governor visits family of ex-minister Prof. Turner Isoun

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Prof. Turner Isoun, a former Minister of Science and Technology, in Abuja on Friday. Prof. Isoun, a distinguished scholar and the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) in Port Harcourt, passed away on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87.

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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 of how she took care of him until his passing, and I want to appreciate you for being there for him.

Governor Diri, representing the government and people of Bayelsa State, extended his sympathies to Prof. Isoun's wife, children, and the Odi community. He described the deceased as a statesman, leader, and activist who left a lasting impact on many lives. Diri shared a personal connection with Isoun, referring to him as a father, leader, and uncle, and recalled a warm reception during his last visit.

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Since you came into this family, you have been an anchor, raising your children and, at the same time, taking care of us who are not your biological children.

Reflecting on Prof. Isoun's contributions, Governor Diri highlighted his significant roles in the struggle for resource control, the creation of Bayelsa State, and environmental advocacy. He recounted a pivotal moment when Prof. Isoun was the first to sign a letter from the Ijaw National Congress (INC) expressing the organization's stance against the military junta's execution of Ogoni rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. This act demonstrated Isoun's deep commitment to Ijaw matters.

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Is it about our struggle for resource control? Is it about the creation of Bayelsa State or about the environment? He did so much that we can never forget him.

The governor urged the family to find solace in Prof. Isoun's indelible legacy and to accept his passing as the will of God. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of Prof. Isoun's wife, who served as an anchor for the family and cared for those who were not her biological children.

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After a meeting of the INC, we wrote a letter stating our position on the killing of Saro-Wiwa and, of course, it was against the Federal Government. The responsibility of taking that letter round for it to be signed fell on me and the current Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomo, who was then the Assistant National Organising Secretary. 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 any questions, he was the first to sign it. That was how seriously Prof took Ijaw matters.