Former staff of Vanguard Media Limited, the publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, converged on Lagos to launch a book detailing their experiences while they worked with the media outfit.
The launch of the book, titled: “The Vanguard Chronology: 40 years of Nigeria’s leading tabloid,” was performed on Wednesday.
It turned out to be an occasion where encomium poured in torrents for the media house that has built a lot of journalism icons and the Publisher, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam.
The commendation of the media house and the Publisher came from very important personalities, including former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, (retd); and former governors: Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi.
Also in attendance were the Publisher of This Day Newspaper and founder of Arise TV, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero; Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and numerous former staff of the company who testified to Amuka’s kind-heartedness and humane nature.
Vanguard is where dreams come true — Ita
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Vanguard Media Alumni Association, Pastor Eyobong Ita, described Vanguard Newspapers as where raw talents could be transformed into successful journalism careers.
“Vanguard is a place where dreams come true,’’ he said.
Speaking on his experience at Vanguard, Ita said the newspaper gave him an opportunity to build a career despite having no university education, journalism degree or formal journalism training when he joined the organisation.
He said: “I stand before you today to declare that Vanguard is a place where dreams come true. If you dare to dream, and you are privileged to join Vanguard Newspapers, your dream will be realised.
“I came to Vanguard with no college education, no journalism degree of any sort, not even journalism training. I came to Vanguard with raw talent and a school certificate.”
According to Ita, his journey at Vanguard began when he was recruited by the then Deputy Editor, Chris Okojie, who subsequently handed him over to Ikeddy Isiguzo.
He said the training and experience he received at Vanguard subsequently became the foundation for his professional career in the United States.
“But Vanguard gave me a chance, and with that chance, I did not only leave Vanguard, I was made for life. When I went to the States, the foundation I got from Vanguard enabled me to run newsrooms in the United States,” he said.
He took the audience through the process of producing the 40-page book, which he described as tortuous, stating the roles played by some members of the group, including Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, Chairman of the Vanguard Book Projects, and Deba Uwadiae, Secretary of the project.
Looking beyond the publication, Ita announced that the alumni association would next focus on establishing the Sam Amuka Media Library, which he said would serve as a lasting legacy in honour of the Vanguard pioneer.
“As we celebrate today, I want to leave our media colleagues with a scoop. Our next project is to have the Sam Amuka Media Library,” he announced.
He explained that the proposed facility would serve as a research centre and resource hub for journalists in Nigeria and abroad.
“We want to put up a project that will leave a legacy for Uncle Sam. A media library that will serve as a resource for Nigerian journalists and foreign journalists as a research centre,” he said.
IBB to Uncle Sam: You’re a nation builder, custodian of our collective conscience
In his message, Babangida described Amuka, as a nation builder and custodian of the nation’s collective conscience.
In his goodwill message delivered by Prof. Mohammed Yahaya of Agricultural Extension and Development Communications at the University of Ibadan, the former president said Uncle Sam has dedicated his life to truth, nation-building and the power of the pen, adding that his journey has remained a beacon of integrity for journalists across generations.
He said: “I congratulate you on this remarkable milestone. As we celebrate your 91st birthday, we are not merely marking another year; we are celebrating a monumental life, a life dedicated to truth, to nation-building, and the power of an informed pen.
“Your journey has been a beacon of integrity, a testament of principled journalism, and an inspiration to countless writers, editors, and publishers across generations. You are not just a journalist; you are a nation builder, a custodian of our collective conscience, and a guardian of our democracy.
“We are also assembled to celebrate the launch of a landmark publication: The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid. This work is far more than a book; it is a living chronicle of our nation’s journey over four transformative decades.“For 40 years, Vanguard newspapers have been an unwavering champion, a companion of Nigerians, documenting our triumphs, illuminating our challenges, and giving voice to the voiceless. Vanguard has not merely reported on Nigeria’s history; it has actively shaped it. It has stood as a formidable pillar of robust public discourse, a defender of democratic ideals, and a consistent force for national development.
“This publication is a fitting tribute to that enduring legacy that I am deeply honoured to be associated with in this presentation today. It is indeed, for me, such a profound admiration for the vision, resilience, and commitment of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association. Your dedication to preserving this invaluable history is truly commended.
“And no doubt, my family believes, as we all do, that a deep understanding of our past, as captured so vividly in these pages, is the essential foundation of charting a successful course for the future.
“As we return to the pages of the Vanguard Chronology, let us not merely revisit the stories of yesterday; let us instead recommit ourselves to the timeless principles they represent.
“Let us draw inspiration from Sam Amuka’s steadfastness, his courage, his unwavering commitment, and dedication to truth. We must remain steadfast believers in the power of a free, responsible, and robust press to build a prosperous Nigerian federation.
“It is our sincere hope that this publication will serve as an enduring historical document for generations yet unborn, and a purposeful reminder of the critical role of journalism in the life and progress of our nation.
