● Targets partnership with CLO, BANGOF, NBA on Prison decongestion and anti-cultism campaigns
By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has launched its humanitarian advocacy plan for the 2024-2025 calendar year, focusing on partnerships with civil society groups and non-governmental organizations to address key social issues in Bayelsa State.
The organization’s new initiatives aim to tackle prison congestion, youth addiction to illicit drugs, and rising cult activities.
Through its Ox-Bow Marine Deck, NAS announced renewed collaborations with key civil society organizations, including the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (BANGOF)—an umbrella body representing over 40 active NGOs in the state.
These partnerships are expected to expand the reach and impact of NAS’s human rights advocacy efforts.
Speaking at a media sit-out with journalists and civil society members, Engr. Timothy Egbonoje, Capoon of the Ox-Bow Marine Deck of NAS, emphasized the organization’s commitment to correcting societal anomalies.
“Our aim and objective is to address the ills in society where necessary,” he stated. “We believe in peaceful dialogue and do not engage in violence or coercion. Our focus is on correcting discriminatory practices and promoting human rights.”
Engr. Egbonoje outlined various activities planned for the coming year, including medical outreach, seminars, school counseling programmes, and health awareness campaigns focused on the girl child.
He also highlighted NAS’s ongoing collaboration with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to educate youths on the dangers of drug abuse.
Additionally, NAS plans to work with the NBA to expedite the delivery of justice in cases of undue delay, underscoring the organization’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
“Every year, we conduct medical missions across the three senatorial districts in Bayelsa, along with other engagements,” Egbonoje added.
He emphasized that NAS operates transparently and is open to all members of the public, refuting any notions of secrecy or malicious intent within the organization.
On the issue of cultism, particularly in educational institutions, Egbonoje noted that while NAS has achieved significant progress in secondary schools, they deliberately avoid conducting campaigns on university campuses to prevent misunderstandings about their intentions.
Reflecting on the past year, Egbonoje expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Ox-Bow Marine Deck, citing successful medical missions, blood donation drives at the Federal Medical Centre, anti-drug abuse campaigns, and various educational initiatives.
He also assured media practitioners that NAS remains committed to offering informed commentary on state and national socio-economic issues, promising that the organization would consult widely and ensure its contributions are constructive.
Supporting the new partnership, Comrade David West, Chairman of the CLO in Bayelsa State, welcomed the collaboration, stating that with NAS’s involvement, the protection of human rights and justice in the state is assured.
Comrade Tari Boco of BANGOF echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the success of the partnership and urging NAS leadership to share its proposed plans with the NGO community.
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