By 
Hope Ejairu
By Ejairu Hope
Vanguard Newspapers celebrated four decades of journalism with the launch of a commemorative book and reunion of its alumni, as former and serving staff, media executives, political leaders, and other dignitaries paid tributes to the newspaper and its founder, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam.
The event, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, featured encomiums on Vanguard’s contributions to Nigerian journalism and democracy, goodwill messages, the presentation of honours and gifts, and the unveiling of The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid, which documents the newspaper’s history and contributions to the country’s media landscape.
Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, commended Vanguard for its contributions to journalism and democratic development in Nigeria, describing the newspaper as an important institution in the country’s media landscape.
Chief Osoba stated that Vanguard had played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and promoting democratic values through its commitment to journalism over the years.
He also paid tribute to Amuka-Pemu, praising his contribution to the journalism profession and acknowledging the dedication of journalists and other professionals who had contributed to Vanguard’s growth.
Osoba urged media practitioners to uphold the values of journalism and preserve the profession’s legacy for future generations, stressing the media’s responsibility to serve the public interest and contribute to
national development.
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, represented by the University of Ibadan’s Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, described Amuka-Pemu as a national treasure praising his integrity, humanity, and enduring contribution to journalism.
Gen. Babangida remarked that Amuka-Pemu’s life and career had inspired generations of writers, editors, and publishers, describing him as a custodian of the nation’s collective conscience.
“You are not just a journalist, you are a national treasure'” he said.
He also commended Vanguard for its role in documenting and shaping Nigeria’s history, noting that the newspaper had given voice to the voiceless and contributed significantly to public discourse and the strengthening of democratic ideals.
In his keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media to promote national security and responsible public communication.
IGP Disu warned that unverified reports, rumours and false allegations could have serious security implications, particularly in the digital age when information spreads rapidly.
He urged the police to communicate promptly and transparently when credible information is available, while appealing to media organisations to verify information before publication, especially when reporting security, crime, and other sensitive matters.
‘The police and the media must work together,” the IGP said, emphasizing that effective cooperation between the two institutions was necessary to safeguard public interest and national security.
While delivering his goodwill message, the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, described Amuka-Pemu as one of the few Nigerians who embody the true Nigerian spirit, citing his ability to bring people from different ethnic backgrounds together and provide opportunities for people
irrespective of their origins.
Amaechi recalled benefiting from the founder’s inclusive approach, saying, “Everybody is given an opportunity. And I am one of those people who he gave that opportunity to.”
He also recounted an encounter with Amuka-Pemu, disclosing that the Vanguard founder had once told him that making people happy was what kept him alive.
Amaechi assured the founder that his contributions to the lives of others would not be forgotten, saying, “Be rest assured that people like us will not forget you.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association, Pastor Eyobong Ita, explained that the reunion was an opportunity for former members of the Vanguard family to reconnect with the institution that had shaped their careers and lives.
Ita recalled joining Vanguard without a university education or formal journalism training, saying the newspaper gave him an opportunity to develop professionally and laid the foundation for his subsequent career in newsrooms in the United States.
He affirmed that the idea of bringing former Vanguard staff together eventually led to the establishment of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association and the decision to document the collective experiences and
history of the newspaper in a book.
According to him, producing the book was not easy, as some alumni initially gave up, but the resilience of those involved eventually made the project possible.
He recognized the contributions of the Vanguard Book Project team, particularly its Chairman, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, the Secretary, Mr. Deba Uwadiae, and the Finance Committee Chairman, Dr. Aisha Tosan Agberebi, whose fundraising efforts helped to produce the book.
Ita also acknowledged the Planning Committee, headed by Agnes Otsemobor for its role in organizing the launch and reunion.
He stressed the alumni had chosen to celebrate Amuka-Pemu while he was still alive, describing the event as an opportunity to honour a living legend.
The alumni chairman revealed that the association’s next major project would be the establishment of a sound and vocal media library that would serve as a resource for young people and journalists.
He declared that the proposed project would preserve the history of the Nigerian media and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Chairman of Arise News Channel and THISDAY Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi; President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero; and former Governor of old Imo State, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.).
The book was reviewed by Gbemiga Ogunleye, while the event featured the introduction of alumni and the presentation of awards to some members, including Mr. Gbenga Adefaye and Mr. Eze Anaba.
The alumni also presented a picture frame to Amuka-Pemu in recognition of his contributions to the newspaper and the journalism profession.
Other dignitaries present were Prof. Pat Utomi; former presidential aide, Mr. Femi Adesina; Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini.
The event also featured music, dancing, and other celebratory activities as members of the Vanguard family and guests marked the newspaper’s 40-year journey and celebrated the enduring legacy of its founder.
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