Former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, has died on the age of 87.
The former minister handed away on July 15 in Abuja, based on Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who expressed deep unhappiness over the lack of the famend educational and statesman.
Governor Diri’s response was contained in a press release issued on Friday in Yenagoa by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah.
Describing the late professor as one in all Nigeria’s foremost students and public servants, the governor mentioned Isoun’s contributions to science, schooling and nationwide improvement would proceed to encourage generations.
Academic and public service profession
Professor Isoun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology between 2000 and 2007 throughout the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Before becoming a member of the Federal Executive Council, he had constructed an impressive educational profession as a professor of veterinary drugs and later grew to become the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the then University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, now Rivers State University.
Governor Diri famous that the late educational laid a stable basis for Nigeria’s first college devoted to science and know-how, describing him as an educator who devoted his life to constructing establishments and advancing information.
According to the governor, Isoun’s demise represents an enormous loss to Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and the nation as a complete.
Champion of ICT improvement
The governor paid glowing tribute to Isoun’s achievements throughout his years as Minister of Science and Technology, saying he performed a defining position in reworking Nigeria’s info and communications know-how sector.
He recalled that the late minister spearheaded the institution of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), an establishment that has remained on the forefront of implementing Nigeria’s digital financial system and knowledge know-how insurance policies.
Governor Diri additionally highlighted Isoun’s position within the institution of Galaxy Backbone Plc, the government-owned ICT firm accountable for integrating communication infrastructure throughout public establishments and supporting the nation’s broadband improvement.
According to him, these initiatives laid the inspiration for Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation and strengthened the nation’s technological capability.
Contributions to house know-how
Professor Isoun was additionally credited with advancing Nigeria’s house science programme throughout his tenure in workplace.
Under his management, Nigeria recorded main milestones with the profitable launch of the nation’s first satellites, together with NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.
The governor mentioned these achievements demonstrated the late minister’s imaginative and prescient for positioning Nigeria amongst international locations investing in science, innovation and house know-how.
He described Isoun as a visionary chief whose dedication to analysis and technological development helped place Nigeria on the worldwide scientific map.
Legacy in Bayelsa and Ijaw nation
Beyond his contributions to science and know-how, Professor Isoun remained actively concerned within the improvement of the Niger Delta and the promotion of Ijaw pursuits.
He served as Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress and was recognised as one of many outstanding figures who contributed to the marketing campaign that led to the creation of Bayelsa State from the previous Rivers State in 1996.
Governor Diri described the late elder statesman as a person of integrity, knowledge and candour who remained dedicated to the socio-cultural values of the Ijaw folks all through his lifetime.
He prolonged the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to Isoun’s household, the folks of Odi group and all associates of the late professor, urging them to search out consolation in his enduring legacy of scholarship, innovation and patriotic service to Nigeria.
The governor mentioned Professor Turner Isoun can be remembered not just for the places of work he occupied but additionally for the lasting impression of his work on schooling, science, know-how and nationwide improvement.