Tech
Tears as Influential Former Nigerian Minister Dies in Abuja, Photo Emerges
Professor Turner Isoun, former Nigerian minister of science and technology, died in Abuja at the age of 87.
According to Premium Times, the Isoun spokesperson, Diseye Timinipre Isoun, confirmed the passing of the family patriarch in a statement, noting that the elder statesman was based in Odi, Bayelsa state.
In his reaction, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state described the late professor as “an academic colossus whose contributions to scholarship and national development are outstanding and immeasurable.”
He stated that Prof. Isoun’s demise was a significant loss not only to the Ijaw nation but also to Nigeria as a whole, The Nation reported.
Isoun, a professor of veterinary medicine by training, Isoun made his most enduring mark during his tenure as minister of science and technology in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was widely credited with driving Nigeria’s early push into information technology and space exploration.
Among his most consequential initiatives was the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, a government ICT firm set up to harmonise national communication networks and build a reliable broadband infrastructure across the country.
Under his watch, Nigeria also achieved landmark milestones in space technology, including the launch of NigeriaSat-1 and Nigcomsat 1R, two satellites that marked a defining chapter in the country’s scientific history. Before his ministerial career, Isoun had already distinguished himself in academia.
He served as the founding vice chancellor of the University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt in the old Rivers state, now known as Rivers State University, laying what Governor Diri described as the solid foundations of the country’s first technology-focused university.
Bayelsa mourns Turner Isoun
Beyond his academic and governmental roles, Isoun remained deeply connected to his Ijaw heritage. He served as chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Central Zone, and played a notable part in the political process that led to the creation of Bayelsa state from the old Rivers state in 1996.
“The Odi-born scientist would be greatly missed for his candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values,” Governor Diri said, while extending condolences from the Bayelsa state Government to the Isoun family and community.
He urged them to take comfort in the late elder statesman’s lasting contributions to national life.
Former Senator representing the Funtua Senatorial District of Katsina State, Bello Mandiya, is dead.
His death was announced by a close associate, Malam Maiwada DanMalam, in a Facebook post.
According to DanMalam, the funeral prayer for the former senator will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja.
“Funeral prayers will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja,” he said.
A former chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Osi Obirh, is dead.
DAILY POST gathered that Orbih, who was also a former PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South, died on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Lere Olayinka, the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, in a post on his Facebook page, said the news of the politician’s death was made public by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, a member of the family.
The post titled, ‘In Loving Memory’, read, “With profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the almighty God, the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih announce the passing of our beloved brother, husband, father and uncle, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who passed away on Monday, 31 August 2026.
“He is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih; his children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of the extended family.
“At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss.
“Further details will be announced in due course. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Orbih, before his death, was the Chairman, Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.
He was a close ally of FCT minister, Wike.
The late PDP chieftain was born on October 27, 1961, at Ogbona, in Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State.
The Eleta Oluyara of Iyara Land in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oba Jacob Babatunde Meduteni, is dead.
Naija News reports that the traditional ruler, who was 75 years old, reportedly passed away in his palace in Iyara after a prolonged illness whose nature was not disclosed.
His death has plunged the community into mourning, barely three years after he assumed the traditional stool.
Meduteni became the traditional ruler of Iyara after the Kogi State Government appointed him on July 24, 2023.
He was initially installed as a third-class chief before the state government elevated the traditional institution to second-class status.
The Kogi State Executive Council approved the upgrade on September 26, 2023.
The monarch was formally crowned and presented with his staff of office on December 23, 2023, at a ceremony that attracted traditional rulers, politicians and other notable guests.
Before becoming a monarch, Meduteni built an extensive career in engineering and corporate administration. He was educated at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the University of Calabar.
His professional journey included appointments as Manager, Marketing, and Head of Customer Service in Kaduna.
He subsequently rose to the top of the management ladder in Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector, serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company before becoming CEO of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
He left active corporate employment in 2008. After his retirement, Meduteni devoted more time to entrepreneurship and community development.
He ran his private ventures, Newday Engineering Company and Nowday Farms, while remaining involved in activities aimed at advancing Iyara’s interests.
His contribution to community affairs was further demonstrated by his leadership of the Iyara Development Movement, where he served as national president for two terms.
He spent a total of six years in the position before being selected to occupy the Eleta Oluyara stool.
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