PANDEF Mourns the Demise of Board of Trustees Member Prof. Turner Isoun, at 87

The Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of the Pan- Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have expressed shock and deep condolences over the passing into glory of Nigeria’s former Minister of Science and Technology, a globally renowned scholar and one of its core founding members of the Board of Trustees, Professor Turner T Isoun.

This was contained in an emotional condolence message signed by its national chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei, OON,
National Chairman on Tuesday 17th July, 2026 which a copy of it was sent to newsmen in Abuja metropolis.

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The report quoted the family to have said Prof. Isoun died in Abuja on Wednesday 15th July, 2026 at the age of 87 years, adding that he lived a greatly successful life of outstanding scientific scholarship in research and teaching all around the world and public service.

The statement read, “Among other things, he had served in Rivers State as Special Adviser to the Governor on Science and Technology and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology which is now renamed Rivers State University, Portharcourt. During his time as Minister of Science and Technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he took that sector of national life to its highest level

“Indeed he was the brain behind the establishment of such lofty existing structures as Nigerian Institute of Biotechnology, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA), Galaxy Backbone Technology Hub, etc. Prof. Isoun was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences as well as Fellow African Academy of Science.

“He also founded the ‘Wetland Centre’ research outfit in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and was pioneer Chairman of Bayelsa Education Trust Fund and founding leader of the think tank, Rivers Study Group. He is a recipient of the high national honour, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

“At the founding of PANDEF in 2016, amongst other things, Prof. Isoun played a key role in the drafting of the ’16 Point Agenda ‘for the development of Niger Delta which was presented to Former President, Muhammadu Buhari on 1st November 2016. He also donated the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa to PANDEF as a temporary National Secretariat and this has remained so till date.

“PANDEF salutes his great national service and restates its commitment in keeping his legacy alive.

“PANDEF also conveys deepest condolences to the Government and people of Bayelsa State, home town, Odi and most importantly his wife of sixty years, Miriam and all the family.

“PANDEF urges all its branches across Nigeria and abroad to observe a 3 days mourning period with effect from Tuesday, 21st July, 2026

“Further funeral details will be conveyed by the family.
May his soul rest in peace”, the statement added.