Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late elder statesman, Professor Turner Timinipre Isoun as an exceptional leader whose contributions to Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria will remain indelible.

The governor paid the tribute over the weekend during a condolence visit to the family of the former Minister of Science and Technology in Abuja.

Diri said he visited on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to identify with the bereaved family and honour a man he described as “a father, a leader and an uncle,” whose life of service inspired generations of Nigerians.

The governor noted that the late Professor Isoun was not only one of Nigeria’s foremost scientists but also a committed advocate for justice and the development of the Niger Delta. He recalled the late elder statesman’s courage during the struggle for minority rights, revealing that Professor Isoun was the first leader to sign the Ijaw National Congress statement condemning the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, despite concerns that he might decline because of his public office.

Diri said Bayelsa had lost one of its finest sons whose role in the creation of the state, advancement of science and technology, and contributions to national development would continue to inspire future generations.

Professor Isoun, who died on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87, enjoyed a distinguished career in academia and public service. He served as Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Ibadan, pioneer Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, and Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007. He was instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s science and technology agenda, contributing to the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the development of Galaxy Backbone, and Nigeria’s early satellite programme.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Diseye Isoun expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the visit and the show of solidarity by the Bayelsa State Government. He also thanked Nigerians, the Ijaw nation and friends across the world for the overwhelming support and condolences received since the passing of their father.

Also speaking, Mrs. Miriam Isoun paid glowing tribute to her late husband, reflecting on over five decades of marriage built on love, service and shared commitment to humanity.

Professor Turner Timinipre Isoun is widely remembered as one of Nigeria’s foremost scientists, an institution builder and a respected statesman whose contributions to science, education, public administration and the struggle for the creation of Bayelsa State left an enduring legacy.