Nigeria, Aug. 4 -- Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has described the death of former Minister of Science and Technology, Turner Isoun, as a major loss to the Ijaw nation, Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

Mr Diri spoke when he led a delegation of the Bayelsa State Government on a condolence visit to the Isoun family in Abuja. A press statement said the governor's visit took place last weekend.

He described the late professor of veterinary medicine and pathology as "more father than a mentor" to him, recalling his contributions to the Ijaw struggle and the development of the riverine state.

Mr Isoun died on 15 July at the age of 87.

He served as Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo....