By Warefa Pereke .
Izon Times Media .
ABUJA — The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound sorrow following the transition of Professor Turner T. Isoun, a trailblazing scholar, former Minister of Science and Technology, and a pioneer member of the forum’s Board of Trustees.
In an official condolence statement issued on Tuesday, July 17, 2026, by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, the regional body extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and the broader Niger Delta community.
According to family sources, the eminent elder statesman passed away peacefully in Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 87, capping off a distinguished career defined by global academic excellence, groundbreaking scientific research, and selfless public service.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Isoun made indelible contributions to regional and national development. He previously served as the Special Adviser on Science and Technology to the Rivers State Government and was the founding Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University, Port Harcourt).
During his tenure as the Minister of Science and Technology under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Isoun spearheaded a transformative era in Nigeria’s technological landscape. His visionary leadership was instrumental in founding key national institutions, including:
- The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)
- The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
- The National Institute of Biotechnology
- Galaxy Backbone Technology Hub
A recognized titan in academia, Prof. Isoun was a Fellow of both the Nigerian Academy of Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences. In recognition of his patriotic contributions, the Federal Government honored him as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Beyond his national service, Prof. Isoun was deeply committed to the growth and empowerment of the Niger Delta. He founded the Wetland Centre research institute in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, served as the inaugural Chairman of the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund, and helped lead the influential Rivers Study Group think tank.
When PANDEF was established in 2016, Prof. Isoun was a driving force behind its vision. He played a central role in drafting the landmark “16-Point Agenda” for the holistic development of the Niger Delta region—a policy document presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016. Demonstrating his unwavering support, Prof. Isoun generously offered his Wetland Centre property in Yenagoa to serve as PANDEF’s temporary National Secretariat, a role it continues to fulfill
Extending sympathies to his hometown of Odi, the Government and citizens of Bayelsa State, and particularly his wife of 60 years, Miriam, along with the entire Isoun family, PANDEF pledged to preserve his monumental legacy.
In tribute to his memory and decades of service, PANDEF has directed all its chapters within Nigeria and across the diaspora to observe a three-day period of solemn mourning commencing Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Final funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course
