By: Odieh Ramon.
The Convener/Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, has commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, for hosting two fishermen rescued from São Tomé and Príncipe and for formally handing them over to Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno, the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria.
The fishermen, Mr. Pedro Mateus and Mr. Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued eight days ago by residents of Agge, a coastal community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, after they strayed into Nigerian waters while fishing. They were subsequently handed over to the Bayelsa State Government by the Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, Hon. Isaac Onniye.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Governor Diri said: “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.
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. I keep saying that all three senatorial districts of Bayelsa lead to the Atlantic Ocean.
I thank God for the lives of these two gentlemen. They are now healthy. I also commend the prompt response of the Embassy. As soon as the Chairman of Ekeremor LGA informed us that our African brothers had been at sea for about eight days and strayed into Nigerian waters, precisely Bayelsa, I directed that they be brought to Yenagoa.
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. 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.”
The Governor was joined by Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy; Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy; Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa; and other top government officials.
Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno was accompanied by Ms. Jerushah Danboyi, Executive Secretary of the Embassy of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Dr. Kiyaramo described the gesture as a clear demonstration of Bayelsa’s commitment to African solidarity, maritime safety, and the core principles of the Blue Economy.
