The Bayelsa State Government has officially transferred three fishermen, who had lost their way in the Gulf of Guinea, to the Head of Mission of Sao Tome and Principe in Nigeria.

Governor Diri, speaking at the Government House in Yenagoa during the handover ceremony on Thursday night, commended the local fishermen from Okpoama community in Brass local government area for rescuing their fellow fishermen in the Atlantic Ocean. He praised their embodiment of the true Ijaw spirit, which emphasizes caring for their brethren and humanity as a whole.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor highlighted that the actions of the Bayelsa fishermen underscored the cordial relationship between Nigeria and its neighboring country.

Governor Diri revealed that upon their rescue, his administration ensured that the fishermen received necessary healthcare through the efforts of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele.

He lauded the Sao Tome and Principe government for demonstrating concern for its citizens, even though they were fishermen, as it exemplified their true commitment to their people.

The Bayelsa governor also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its role in the rescue operation and urged the agency to establish a presence in Bayelsa and other coastal states to handle similar situations.

Governor Diri explained, “I received the news of the fishermen’s rescue informally. I then employed formal government channels and security agencies to confirm that we had two citizens of Sao Tome and Principe rescued by Bayelsa fishermen in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, while the third was rescued by NIMASA personnel.”

He further added, “I directed that all three be brought to Yenagoa for health checks and possibly to contact the Sao Tome and Principe Government. Fortunately, the Head of Missions of Sao Tome and Principe’s embassy in Nigeria contacted our government and informed us of his arrival in Yenagoa to receive them.”

Expressing gratitude, the Head of Mission of Sao Tome and Principe to Nigeria, Pires Dos Santos Aguiar, appreciated the efforts of the Bayelsa State government and Nigeria in rescuing their countrymen. He stated that Bayelsa’s actions had strengthened the relationship between the two nations.

(Daily Trust)