Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Bayelsa State Government has formally handed over two fishermen from the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe to their country's diplomatic representatives, closing a remarkable chapter of survival and regional cooperation that began when the duo drifted into Nigerian waters after spending eight harrowing days adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. Governor Douye Diri performed the handover on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, presenting Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca to the Chargé d'Affaires of the São Tomé Embassy, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno. The fishermen had been rescued on August 28, 2026, by residents of Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area after they lost their way while fishing and their GPS battery became depleted.
Governor Diri, who directed that the rescued men be brought to Yenagoa and given medical attention at the Government House clinic, described the rescue as a profound demonstration of the close ties between Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe. He noted that both territories share the Gulf of Guinea and strong maritime connections. “This shows you how close Nigeria, Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe are in the Gulf of Guinea,” Diri said. He emphasised that the state's three senatorial districts all have access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing the state's maritime resources as a major opportunity for economic diversification. The governor also recalled that this was the second time fishermen from the island nation had been rescued in Bayelsa, following a similar incident 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.
In a moving response, Ambassador Moreno expressed profound gratitude to Governor Diri and the people of Bayelsa for the care, medical attention, and hospitality extended to the rescued fishermen. He revealed a deeply personal connection, disclosing that the rescued fishermen were his relatives. “This ceremony has taught me very well, in various senses, that we are not just neighbours but also sisters,” Moreno said. He explained that the fishermen had drifted towards Bayelsa after their GPS battery became depleted while fishing. The envoy lauded the courage of the Bayelsa fishermen who carried out the rescue, saying the rescued men were fortunate to have drifted towards Nigeria after losing their GPS signal. “Same blood is São Tomé, same blood here. I’m touched from my heart,” he said, adding that the treatment accorded the rescued men demonstrated the strength of the relationship between São Tomé and Príncipe and Bayelsa State.
The handover ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Faith Zibs-Godwin; the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; and the acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo. The São Tomé and Príncipe delegation included the Executive Secretary of the embassy, Jerushah Danboyi. Governor Diri also announced humanitarian awards for the Bayelsa fishermen who carried out the rescue, describing their action as a demonstration of humanity. “Some people may think that they are just ordinary fishermen. They are not. For me, every citizen is important. Every citizen, no matter how lowly or highly placed, must be treated with equity and equality that they deserve,” Diri said. The event underscored the growing bond between the two Gulf of Guinea neighbours and served as a powerful reminder that compassion and cooperation transcend national borders.
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