Diri pays condolence visit to family of former minister Turner Isoun
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday led a high-powered delegation to Abuja to condole with the family of former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, describing his death as a monumental loss to Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria.
Prof. Isoun, a renowned academic and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the former University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, now Rivers State University, died on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87.
Speaking during the visit to the late statesman’s family, Diri said Isoun was an accomplished scholar, nationalist and environmental advocate whose contributions to the struggle for resource control, the creation of Bayelsa State and the protection of the Niger Delta environment would remain indelible.
The governor, who conveyed the condolences of the Bayelsa government and people to the deceased’s wife, children, extended family and the Odi community, said he had lost a father, mentor and trusted adviser.
“Personally, I lost a father, a leader and an uncle. I visited him here last year and was warmly received by him and our mother. I appreciate the care his wife gave him until his passing,” Diri said.
He urged the family to take solace in the enduring legacy of the late professor, noting that his life’s work continued to inspire generations.
Recalling Isoun’s role in the Ijaw struggle, the governor recounted how the late academic demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause following the execution of Ogoni environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa by the military regime.
Diri said that during his time as National Organising Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Isoun, who chaired the INC Central Zone, was the first leader to sign a letter condemning Saro-Wiwa’s execution without hesitation.
