*Bayelsans in Agge Deserve Recognition, Awards — Governor
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, handed over two fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe, who were rescued off the Atlantic coast of Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, to the Ambassador of their country to Nigeria, Carlos Manuel Moreno.
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The governor performed the handover at his country home in Sampou, where Ambassador Moreno, who travelled from the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy in Abuja, received the rescued fishermen on behalf of their government.
The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were rescued by residents of Agge eight days before the handover after they reportedly lost their way while fishing off the coast of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Speaking during the handover, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to the people of Agge for rescuing the two foreign nationals and ensuring that they were safely brought to the attention of the state authorities.
Diri said the action by the Bayelsans demonstrated the spirit of hospitality, humanity and solidarity for which the people of the state were known.
“Let me appreciate our citizens in Agge, who found these great African men in their locality and brought them to us for this handover to their government.”
The governor said the rescuers deserved special recognition for their humanitarian intervention, adding: “They deserve our recognition and awards.”
Diri also described the incident as an example of the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that exist among African peoples, particularly between communities connected by the Atlantic Ocean.
The governor expressed satisfaction that the fishermen had been safely reunited with representatives of their country and formally handed over to their government through the ambassador.
Receiving the fishermen, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno expressed appreciation to Governor Diri and the people of Bayelsa State for the rescue and safe custody of the two São Tomé and Príncipe nationals.
The ambassador’s visit to Bayelsa from Abuja underscored the diplomatic significance attached to the safe recovery of the fishermen and their return to the care of their government.
The incident also highlighted the risks faced by fishermen operating across the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, where poor weather, strong currents and navigational challenges can result in fishermen losing their way at sea.
The successful rescue and handover further demonstrated the importance of cooperation among coastal communities and governments in responding to emergencies and protecting lives at sea.
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