FROM, ANIEFIOK OBONG, YENAGOA
National Association of Seadogs, NAS, also known as Pyrates Confraternity has unveiled its humanitarian advocacy plan from August to July 2025, with renewed partnership with civil society groups and Non-Governmental Organisations, NGO, in the campaign against congestion of prisons, youths addiction to illicit drugs and cult activities in Bayelsa State.
NAS, through Ox-Bow Marine Deck, stated that the renewed partnership with civil society groups such as practicing journalists, Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the umbrella body of over 40 NGOs that are active in Bayelsa.
Capoon/Leader of Ox-Bow Marine Deck of the National Association of Sea dogs, Timothy Egbonoje pointed out that the idea of setting up the confraternity was to correct some of the anomalies in the society.
“Our aim and objective is to correct the ills in the society where necessary. We also try as as much as possible to correct the discriminatory anomalies.
“We are not violent neither do we coerce people into our fold. We intend to partner the media and CSOs to correct the mindset of the populace about our members, activities and we believe in peaceful dialogue”.
Egbonoje said part of their activities include medical outreach, seminars, sensitisation, counseling programmes in schools, health awareness for the girl-child among others.
He said they also collaborate with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency yearly to sensitise youths on the dangers of drug abuse. “We are also planning to collaborate with the Nigeria Bar Association to fasten the dispensation of justice. We believe in the protection of citizens right”.
“Every year we take it upon ourselves to carryout medical mission in the three senatorial district in Bayelsa and other engagements”.
He said the association is open to every member of the public. “We are not into any secret thing or evil agenda”, he said.
On the campaign against cultism in schools, Egbonoje said despite the notable achievements recorded in secondary schools in Bayelsa State, “we don’t take campaigns to campuses to avoid our intention being misconstrued.
Also speaking, the Chairman of CLO in Bayelsa State, Comrade David West welcomed the proposed partnership with the leadership of NAS, declaring that human rights and justice is assured.
Comrade Tari Boco of BANGOF also expressed confidence in the success of the proposed partnership with NAS and urged the leadership of OX-Bow Marino Deck to furnish NGOs with its proposed plans.
