Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, in Abuja.
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The Bayelsa-born renowned scholar was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the erstwhile Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University), Port Harcourt. He died on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87.
Governor Diri, who commiserated with the wife, children, extended family and the people of Odi community on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, said the Ijaw nation and Nigeria had lost a statesman, leader and activist who impacted countless lives.
He described his relationship with the late iconic figure as that of a father and son, recalling the last time he visited him and the warm reception he received.
He said:
“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. Since you came into this family, you have been an anchor, raising your children while at the same time taking care of us who are not your biological children.”
The governor urged the family to accept his passing as the will of God and to take solace in the enduring legacy he left behind.
He said:
“Is it about our struggle for resource control? Is it about the creation of Bayelsa State or the environment? He did so much that we can never forget him.
“I vividly recall an encounter I had with him when the late Ogoni rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, was executed by the military junta. I was then the National Organising Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress, while Prof. Isoun was Chairman of the INC Central Zone.
“After an INC meeting, we drafted a letter stating our position on the killing of Saro-Wiwa. Naturally, it was against the federal government. The responsibility of taking the letter round for signatures fell on me and the current Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomo, who was then the Assistant National Organising Secretary.
“Before visiting Prof. Isoun, many of us, including our then President, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, thought he would raise academic arguments and might not sign the letter. But to our surprise, without asking a single question, he was the first to sign it. That showed how seriously he took Ijaw matters.
“Talking about the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa, Prof. Isoun groomed many of us as young men on the importance of protecting our environment. He did so much. Indeed, we have lost a father, a mentor and a true Ijaw son.”
Responding on behalf of the family, his son, Diseye Isoun, thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit, describing it as a source of comfort and encouragement.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ijaw nation, Nigerians and friends of the family across the world for their solidarity, support and prayers since the death of their father and patriarch.
His wife, Mrs. Miriam Isoun, also thanked the visitors and reflected on her relationship with her late husband, saying they worked together as partners and shared many experiences.
She said:
“Through one organisation or another, through one training or another, we worked together. As Prof. was growing older, we were all growing older together. But we supported each other so that ageing became a privilege. There are still things we can do, and the fact that we are ageing means we can do them even better.”
The governor was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah; the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Fred Agbedi; his Ogbia Federal Constituency counterpart, Dr. Mitema Obordor; the Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomo; the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Perekiye Buruboyefe; and the Technical Adviser to the Governor on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.
Others were the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo; the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Bayelsa West, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki; the Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Tarela Tebepah; and Dr. Isaac Kumokou.
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