The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for hosting two rescued São Tomé fishermen who strayed into Nigerian waters while fishing and formally handing them over to São Tomé and Príncipe Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Manuel Moreno.
The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued eight days ago by residents of Agge, a coastal community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. They were subsequently handed over to the Bayelsa State Government by the Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, Hon. Isaac Onniye.
Key Highlights
- ABER commends Governor Douye Diri for hosting the rescued São Tomé fishermen.
- Two fishermen were rescued after straying into Nigerian waters while fishing.
- The fishermen were found by residents of Agge in Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State.
- Governor Diri formally handed the fishermen over to São Tomé and Príncipe Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno.
- Diri says the incident highlights the strong relationship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.
- ABER says the gesture reflects Bayelsau2019s commitment to African solidarity, maritime safety and the Blue Economy.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Governor Diri thanked God for the safe rescue of the two fishermen.
He described the fishermen as Nigerian guests and African brothers who had lost their way while on a fishing expedition.
“First, I thank God for a day like this. Our brothers from São Tomé and Príncipe who lost their way while on their fishing expedition have been found here in Bayelsa State,” he said.
Diri noted that the latest incident was the second time Bayelsa State had received fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe after they strayed into Nigerian waters.
According to the governor, the previous incident occurred in Brass Local Government Area, while the latest rescue took place in Ekeremor, both of which are coastal communities along the Atlantic Ocean.
He said the development demonstrated the importance of Bayelsau2019s coastal communities and their relationship with neighbouring countries across the Gulf of Guinea.
“Let it be on record that this is the second time we are receiving our brothers from São Tomé and Príncipe. The last time was in Brass LGA, and this time in Ekeremor LGA, both coastal communities on the Atlantic Ocean,” he said.
Governor Diri also commended the residents who helped rescue the fishermen and the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy for its prompt response after the incident was reported.
He said he immediately directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa after being informed that they had spent about eight days at sea.
“I thank God for the lives of these two gentlemen. They are now healthy. I also commend the prompt response of the Embassy,” he said.
The governor said his administration would continue to treat every person with dignity, irrespective of their social or economic status.
“For me, every citizen, no matter how lowly or highly placed, is important. We must treat every person with the equity and equality they deserve,” he said.
Officials Attend Handover Ceremony
Diri subsequently handed the fishermen over to Ambassador Moreno, expressing hope that the incident would further strengthen relations between Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe and Bayelsa State.
“I now officially hand them over to you, so that the bond and friendship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, and specifically Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.
The governor was joined at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; and other senior government officials.
Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno attended the ceremony with the Executive Secretary of the Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ms. Jerushah Danboyi.
Read also:
- Governor Diri Reaffirms Cooperation With Countries Within Gulf Of Guinea
- NIMASA, TotalEnergies Nigeria Rescue Distressed São Tomé, Príncipe Drifting Vessel
- Group Trains Bayelsa Human Rights Defenders on Accountability in Extractive Sector
ABER Commends Bayelsa Government
Reacting to the development, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, described Governor Diriu2019s intervention as a demonstration of Bayelsa Stateu2019s commitment to African solidarity and maritime safety.
Kiyaramo said the safe rescue and formal handover of the rescued São Tomé fishermen also reflected the principles of cooperation and shared responsibility that underpin the Blue Economy.
He praised the Bayelsa Government and residents of the coastal community for responding to the fishermenu2019s plight and ensuring their safe return through diplomatic channels.
The incident has further highlighted the importance of maritime cooperation among countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in protecting fishermen and responding to emergencies at sea — an area Nigeria has continued to prioritise in its deepening partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe.
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