Former Minister Turner Isoun Passes Away at 87

Turner Isoun, a prominent Nigerian academic and former Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, died on July 15 at the age of 87. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri expressed profound sadness over Isoun's passing, describing him as one of Nigeria's foremost scholars and a dedicated public servant.

Isoun's career included significant contributions to the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Galaxy Backbone PLC, which played crucial roles in advancing Nigeria's digital economy and ICT infrastructure. He was also instrumental in launching Nigeria's first satellites, including Nigeriasat-1 and Nigcomsat-1R, enhancing the country's capabilities in space technology.

Governor Diri emphasized Isoun's legacy in education and his commitment to the Ijaw nation, urging the community to find comfort in his enduring contributions to scholarship and innovation.