Nigeria’s High Commisioner to Jamaica Dr. M. P. Tamuno Speaks Exclusively To Vision Newspaper
February 7, 2022 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
“I am chocolate colour”.
She expressed her delight at being at the launch. Vision newspaper spoke with her and plan to do an indepth interview.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie of Vision newspaper spoke with Dr Tamuno at the launch of 2022 Reggae Launch. It was an international affair.
Stated Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno Nigerian High Commionsser.
The Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica Her Excellency Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno spoke to Vision Newspaper exclusively on her plans for her tour of duty as Nigeria’s top representative to Jamaica. We met at the launch of Reggae Month on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at the ‘Go For God’ church service, St. Andrew, Jamaica.W I.
In our wide ranging telephone interview Dr. Tamuno gave me an insight into her plans at cultural integration.
Dr. Tamuno said inter alia:
“Three Nigeran delegations have visited Jamaica as part of the bilateral cultural exchange between Jamaica and Nigeria. There have been 51 years of diplomatic ties between Jamaica and Nigeria.”
HD: What about the food in Jamaica?
“I like the food and there are similarities with Nigeria. For example you have Manish water here, but in Nigeria we call it “Pepper Soup”.
HD: I notice your light complexion which could be mistaken for being white?
“I am chocolate colour”
The Nigerian High Commionsser quickly retorted.
HD: On a personal note Dr. Tamuno, do you have children?
“Yes, I am married and I have four children and 3 grandchildren.
HD: What are their sexes?
“We do not talk about sexes”
HD: How long have you been in Jamaica?
Seven months now.
“Nigerian/Jamaica Joint Commission will meet in Abyja, Nigeria in February 22 -24, 2022. That meeting was not possible before. Nigerians came to Jamaica 3 times in the past 51 years.”
HD: Is there anything else you wish to say that we have not discussed?
“I was a Politician among other noted achievements in Nigeria.”
Stated the High Commionsser Tamuno
“I feel very much at home here in Jamaica … there are a lot of similarities with Nigeria. For example in food we have Yam, plantain and other things. As it relates to music … I am delighted when I hear Nigerian music in Jamaica. Nigeria got a Global Grammy Award. A noted Musician named Burna Boy in 2021. We love Reggae music also. I love Minister ‘Babsy’ Grange, we have a good working relationship. She is a mother figure and the launch of Reggae Month was good.”
Thank you Dr. Tamuno for your graciousness Her Excellency.
Background
Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno is a former MP and Mayor in Nigeria. A brilliant and talented sister of the soil who has distinguished herself academically and otherwise.
Commentary
It was a real pleasure and honour to have spoken with this gifted Nigerian sister. Thank you madam Commissioner for allowing me to get an insight into your life’s path. Jamaica is grateful for your presence, assistance and expertise.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a poet, elegist, author and senior international journalist who writes for Vision Newspaper.
