The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared a three-day mourning period following the death of one of its founding Board of Trustees members and former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner T. Isoun, who died at the age of 87.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei, PANDEF expressed shock and deep sorrow over the passing of the renowned scientist, scholar and public servant, describing him as a pillar of the organisation and a patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to national development would remain indelible.
According to the statement, Prof. Isoun died in Abuja on July 15, 2026. PANDEF said he lived an accomplished life marked by excellence in scientific research, teaching and public service.
The forum recalled that Prof. Isoun served as Special Adviser on Science and Technology to the Rivers State Government and was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
It also highlighted his tenure as Minister of Science and Technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during which he championed the establishment of key national institutions, including the Nigerian Institute of Biotechnology, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the Galaxy Backbone Technology Hub.
PANDEF further noted that the late professor was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences. He also founded the Wetland Centre research institute in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, served as the pioneer Chairman of the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund, and was the founding leader of the Rivers Study Group. He was also a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
The organisation said Prof. Isoun played a pivotal role in the establishment of PANDEF in 2016, particularly in drafting the forum’s 16-Point Agenda for the development of the Niger Delta, which was presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.
According to PANDEF, the late statesman also donated the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa to serve as the forum’s temporary national secretariat, a facility that continues to house the organisation.
The forum pledged to preserve his legacy and continue advancing the ideals he stood for in the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
PANDEF extended its condolences to the Government and people of Bayelsa State, the Odi community, and the deceased’s wife of 60 years, Miriam Isoun, as well as the entire Isoun family.
As part of the mourning, PANDEF directed all its branches within Nigeria and abroad to observe a three-day mourning period beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2026, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
