Vanguard Alumni Association Book Launch/Reunion Committee Visits Uncle Sam

By Efe Onodjae, Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos, Nigeria

LAGOS — FORMER staff of Vanguard Media Limited have announced plans to unveil a 46-chapter commemorative book in honour of the newspaper’s founder, Sam Amuka-Pemu, as he marks his 91st birthday.

Speaking on behalf of the ex- staff, former Business Editor of Vanguard newspaper (1992–1999), Lanre Alabi, disclosed that the book, titled ‘The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid,’ is a reflection of the organisation’s legacy and the impact it has had on those who worked within it.

Alabi explained that although Vanguard newspaper has existed for over four decades, the book project had been in the offing for years, with the official launch now scheduled for this year.

“The work has been on for a long time. We had completed the writing a while ago. What is coming up now is the formal launch,” he said.

He noted that the idea behind the publication was conceived after former staff came together to define their objectives, which included documenting their experiences at Vanguard and highlighting how the organisation shaped their careers.

“We decided to write about Vanguard itself, our experiences, and how the platform helped us in our various endeavours. After completing the book, the next step was to launch it. We had planned for last year, but it didn’t happen, so we are looking at this year,” Alabi added.

According to him, the unveiling is scheduled for June 13, to coincide with Amuka-Pemu’s birthday, as part of activities lined up to celebrate his enduring legacy in Nigerian journalism.

Explaining why the group visited the media icon ahead of the launch, Alabi said it was necessary to formally inform and honour him.

“You cannot celebrate Vanguard newspapers without celebrating Uncle Sam. We came to pay our respects, introduce the alumni formally, and inform him of our plans to celebrate his legacy, launch the book and organise a global reunion of Vanguard staff,” he noted.

The book comprises 46 chapters contributed by 46 former staff members, drawn from a larger alumni body of about 200 ex-employees of the organisation.

While not all members contributed chapters, Alabi noted that all were actively involved in the process leading to the publication.

He further revealed that the Vanguard Alumni Association was established about two years ago and is now planning its first major reunion alongside the book launch.

“We are about 200 in the alumni. Not all wrote in the book, but everyone is part of the process. This will also be an opportunity for a reunion of staff across Nigeria and in the diaspora, including the UK, US and Canada,” he explained.Alabi added that the association would formally inform the current Vanguard staff of its activities during a scheduled visit to the organisation.

Some of the ex-staff present at the visit included Omowunmi Lawrence (Fashion Flair, Action People, Heartstrings, 1986– 1987); Richard Akinnola (1984–1991); Frank Meke (Travel and Tourism Editor); and Agnes Otsemobor (Advert Manager, 1984–1990). Also present was the current Vanguard Editor, Mr Eze Anaba.

Additional Report

Members of the Vanguard Alumni Association Book Launch/Reunion Committee paid a courtesy visit to Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, (also known as Uncle Sam), Founder/Chairman of the Vanguard Media Group, publishers of the Vanguard Newspapers.

Uncle Sam Amuka sitting with Agnes Otsemobor

Led by Chairperson of the Committee, Ms. Agnes Otsemobor and Co-chairperson Lanre Alabi, the members were received by the publisher, Uncle Sam, who expressed happiness in meeting the former staff of the Vanguard Newspapers.

Also in attendance were Richard Akinnola, Committee’s Adviser, Barbara Lawrence, Frank Meke, Eze Anaba, Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers and an accompanying Vanguard journalist Efemena Onodjae.

“About 200 former employees of Vanguard at home and abroad came together to form the Vanguard Alumni Association,” Chairman of the Committee, Agnes Otsemobor told Uncle Sam.

“The aim of the group is to acknowledge, appreciate and uphold the legacy of Vanguard.”

Co-chair Lanre Alabi disclosed that, “the purpose for meeting with Uncle Sam was to formally introduce the group and its objectives, and to reveal the plans to celebrate him, launch a book in his honour and organize a reunion.”

“The event would be more of a celebration of the Vanguard legacy while the birthday, the book launch and the reunion would be fused into the event.”

Another member of the committee, Barbara Lawrence recalled that her one-year stint in Vanguard was the launch pad of the career that made her practice Public Relations on the international scene, while expressing appreciation to Uncle Sam for the opportunity.

Lanre Alabi and Frank Meke, also a member of the committee echoed nostalgic feelings of appreciation adding that “celebrating the legacy of this resilient institution was a priority.”

In response, the Founder and Chairman of Vanguard Media Group, Mr Sam Amuka, who will be celebrating 91 years old in June, expressed his happiness with the group and its lofty objectives.

In his humility, Uncle Sam had hoped that this unique celebration of him would be made after he was gone but the desire of those who mean well should not be cut short.

He gave his blessings to the group’s plan and urged the group to work hard and mobilise resources to make the event a success and to “make meaningful impact on the development and growth of our shared legacy – Vanguard.”

The Vanguard Alumni Association was created on Sunday, November 14, 2021, by Eyobong Ita, former sports journalist and columnist of the Vanguard Newspapers “to give back to Vanguard and appreciate Sam Amuka for his visionary leadership, celebrate his vision and its impact on our lives and careers.”

(Photo credit: by Efemena Onodjae)

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