By Obiabin Onukwugha
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has handed over two fishermen of São Tomé who were lost in the Atlantic while fishing, to the São Tomé Embassy.
The fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were said to be found by fishermen from Bayelsa State at the Atlantic Ocean last week.
Handing over the fishermen to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé Embassy, Amb. Carlos Manuel Moreno, at his country home in Sampou, on Saturday, the Beyelsa State governor, revealed that the fishermen had drifted into Nigerian waters and were rescued by local fishermen at Agge in Ekeremor local government area of the state, after spending about eight days at sea.
The governor described the rescue as another demonstration of the close ties between the people of Bayelsa and São Tomé, noting that both locations share the Gulf of Guinea, as well as strong maritime connections.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bayelsa State, Nigeria and the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Diri recalled that it was the second time fishermen from the neighbouring country had been rescued in Bayelsa, following an earlier occurrence in Brass local government area in July 2023.
He attributed the repeated incidents partly to weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that the geographical proximity provided an opportunity for deeper cooperation.
According to him, the development further underscores the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea and Bayelsa’s vast maritime resources.
“This shows you how close Nigeria, Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe are in the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
The governor noted that all three senatorial districts of Bayelsa have access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing the state’s maritime resources as a major opportunity for economic diversification.
He also stated that the humane treatment of the fishermen reflected Bayelsa’s commitment to regional solidarity and respect for human life, irrespective of nationality.
He said upon receiving the report of their rescue, he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa and given medical attention at the clinic in Government House. He equally commended the São Tomé and Príncipe government and its diplomatic representatives for their swift response and cooperation.
“Today, I want to officially hand them over to you, so that we know that the bond between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, and precisely Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Diri said.
Responding, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno expressed appreciation to Governor Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for the care, medical attention and hospitality extended to the fishermen.
The envoy said the gesture deeply touched him and his government, particularly after discovering that the rescued fishermen were also his relatives.
Moreno described the incident as further demonstration that the relationship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe goes beyond geographical proximity. “This ceremony has taught me very well, in various senses, that we are not just neighbours but also sisters,” he stated.
