ABER commends Diri for hosting, handing over rescued São Tomé fishermen

September 7, 2026 1 BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has commended Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa for hosting two rescued São Tomé and Príncipe fishermen. The ABER Convener and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, gave the commendation following the fishermen's formal handover to their country's ambassador to Nigeria. The fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued eight days earlier by residents of Agge, a coastal community in Ekeremor Local Government Area. They reportedly strayed into Nigerian waters while fishing and were subsequently handed over to the Bayelsa Government by Ekeremor Local Government Chairman, Hon. Isaac Onniye. Diri formally handed over the fishermen to Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno during a ceremony at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. The governor thanked God for the safe rescue of the fishermen and commended the prompt response of the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy. He said Bayelsa had previously received São Tomé and Príncipe fishermen rescued from Nigerian waters in Brass Local Government Area. Diri noted that the latest incident occurred in Ekeremor, stressing that both communities are located along the Atlantic coastline. He said all three senatorial districts of Bayelsa State have access to the Atlantic Ocean, making maritime safety particularly important to the state. 'I thank God for the lives of these two gentlemen. They are now healthy,' Diri said. He said he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa after receiving information about their prolonged stay at sea. Diri stressed that every person deserved equitable treatment, irrespective of social status, describing the fishermen as African brothers. He said the gesture would further strengthen the friendship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly between the country and Bayelsa. The governor was joined by Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai. Others included Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Faith Zibs-Godwin, and Acting Chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo. Ambassador Moreno was accompanied by Ms. Jerushah Danboyi, Executive Secretary of the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy. Kiyaramo described the governor's intervention as a demonstration of Bayelsa's commitment to African solidarity and responsible maritime relations. He said the gesture also reflected the state's commitment to maritime safety and the principles underpinning the Blue Economy.