There is no gainsaying that Dr. Maureen Piribonemi Tamuno belongs to the exclusive class of women with fine brains and impressive resumes. For the Rivers State-born technocrat in politics, she is one of the most sought-after females that have excelled in various fields. Tamuno is one of the last set of envoys picked to represent Nigeria across the globe.
The former member of Rivers State House of Assembly was assigned to the Caribbean nations of Jamaica, Belize, Haiti and Dominican Republic as Nigeria’s High Commissioner. Since she assumed office in her base in Kingston, Jamaica, Tamuno has not given anyone reasons to doubt her capability to deliver on her official assignments. Upon her appointment, Tamuno did some research and found some linkages between Nigeria —particularly Yoruba— and the Caribbean.
She also had pleasant experiences from other Blacks from Cuba, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago affirming that Ile-Ife is the cradle of civilization. That discovery propelled her to visit Ile-Ife for further research and the result has been condensed in a coffee book titled: “Ile-Ife: Cradle of the world”.
The new book written by Tamuno, an Okrika princess, documents the incredible culture and rich history as well as showcases the linkages between the Yoruba Nation and the people of the Caribbean and African Americans who are believed to have migrated during the slave trade to the Caribbean and South American countries and some parts of America.
The book —which was launched with fanfare at Eko Hotels & Towers on Monday, May 1— also focuses on four thematic areas —History, Culture, Tourism and Business. At the book launch were top monarchs led by Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; top public officials; members of the Diplomatic Corps; business magnates and other prominent Nigerians.