Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between the state, Nigeria and the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Diri stated this on Saturday while formally handing over two fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé Embassy, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno, at his country home in Sampou.
The fishermen, who had drifted into Nigerian waters, were rescued by local fishermen at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area 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 and Príncipe, noting that both share the Gulf of Guinea and strong maritime connections.
He said it was the second time fishermen from the neighbouring country had been rescued in Bayelsa, following a similar incident in Brass Local Government Area in July 2023.
Diri attributed the repeated incidents partly to weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea, saying the geographical proximity provided an opportunity for deeper cooperation.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea and Bayelsa’s vast maritime resources to economic diversification.
“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 economic opportunity.
He said the humane treatment of the fishermen reflected Bayelsa’s commitment to regional solidarity and respect for human life, irrespective of nationality.
According to him, he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa and given medical attention at the Government House clinic immediately after receiving reports of their rescue.
Diri also 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,” he said.
Responding, Ambassador 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 men were also his relatives.
Moreno described the incident as further evidence 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 said.
He explained that the fishermen had drifted towards Bayelsa after their GPS battery became depleted while they were fishing, adding that he was relieved to see them healthy.
He thanked the governor, the government and the people of Bayelsa for their intervention and magnanimity.
The São Tomé and Príncipe delegation included the Executive Secretary of the embassy, Jerushah Danboyi.
The governor was joined by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Faith Zibs-Godwin; the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo; and other government functionaries.