Former Minister Turner Isoun is dead

Turner Isoun, a former Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology and a professor of veterinary medicine, has passed away at the age of 87. He died on July 15 in Abuja.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State expressed deep sadness over Isoun's death, describing him as an "academic colossus" whose contributions to scholarship and national development were "outstanding and immeasurable." The governor noted that Isoun's passing is a significant loss to the Ijaw nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria as a whole.

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The late professor of veterinary medicine was an academic colossus whose contributions to scholarship and national development are outstanding and immeasurable.

Isoun, who served as minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was recognized for his pioneering role as the first vice chancellor of the University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) in the old Rivers State. He was also a driving force behind Nigeria's space and ICT revolution, spearheading the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency and Galaxy Backbone Plc. Under his leadership, Nigeria launched its first satellites, including NigeriaSat-1 and Nigcomsat 1R.

Governor Diri recalled Isoun's "candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values." He extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to Isoun's family and community, urging them to find solace in his "invaluable contributions to national development."

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