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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Diri mourns ex-science minister Isoun

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri mourns the passing of Professor Turner Timinepre Isoun, former Minister of Science and Technology (2000-2007).
  • Isoun is remembered as an academic leader who pioneered the first university of science and technology and drove ICT advancements in Nigeria.
  • His contributions included spearheading the establishment of NITDA and Galaxy Backbone Plc, and advancing Nigeria's space technology, including the launch of its first satellites.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has expressed deep sadness over the death of Professor Turner Timinepre Isoun, who served as Nigeria's Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007. Governor Diri described the late Professor of Veterinary Medicine as an "academic colossus" whose contributions to scholarship and national development were immense.

an academic colossus whose contributions to scholarship and national development were outstanding and immeasurable.

— Governor Douye DiriDescribing the late Professor Turner Isoun.

Isoun's passing is considered a significant loss for Nigeria, Bayelsa State, and the Ijaw nation. Governor Diri recalled Isoun's pioneering role as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt (now Rivers State University). He noted that Isoun laid a strong foundation for the institution and later spearheaded an information and communication technology (ICT) revolution during his ministerial tenure.

During his time as Minister, Isoun was a driving force behind Nigeria's space and ICT advancements. He played a pivotal role in establishing the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and was instrumental in the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, a state-owned ICT company focused on national communication networks and broadband infrastructure. Under his leadership, Nigeria also made strides in space technology, including the launch of its first satellites, such as NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.

His death is a huge loss to the country, Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation.

— Governor Douye DiriReflecting on the impact of Professor Isoun's passing.

Beyond his scientific and technological achievements, Isoun was also recognized for his candor, wise counsel, and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values. He served as chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone) and was a key figure in the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996. Governor Diri extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to Isoun's family and community, urging them to find solace in his invaluable legacy.

the Odi-born scientist would be greatly missed for his candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values.

— Governor Douye DiriRemembering Professor Isoun's personal qualities and cultural contributions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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