Dance, laughter as Vanguard’s ex-staff return home to launch book, dine, wine with the family
By Benjamin Njoku
Last Wednesday was a day of overflowing joy for the patriarch of Vanguard Family, Sam Amuka-Pemu, widely referred and revered as Uncle Sam. The journalists he had mentored, nurtured and sent out into the world returned to say ‘Thank you.’ The air was heavy with memories, laughter and gratitude. It was a reunion that restored roots, revived bonds and reminded everyone of where it all began.
Amid tributes and applause, Uncle Sam stood in quiet awe, honoured not just by the words spoken, but also by the lives his guidance had shaped. Indeed, it was a homecoming that rekindled nostalgia and renewed old bonds at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the venue for the reunion of Vanguard Alumni and a book launch to mark 40 years of the newspaper.
For over 40 years, many of the returning alumni had been away from their roots. Yet the moment they stepped in, the hall was filled with an unmistakable aura of reconnection.
The joy was endless. Uncle Sam was not only elated and honoured as he reunited with his many “sheep” scattered across the world who once drank from his fountain of journalistic wisdom, but he was also moved to awe by the encomiums poured on him.
The event, defined by memory, pride, and the enduring power of mentorship, drew friends of Vanguard, prominent personalities from the political, business, diplomatic, security and media sectors, as well as former and current members of the Vanguard family.
In attendance were representative of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, (retd), Professor Mohammed Yahaya Kuta of the University of Ibadan; former Governors Olusegun Osoba, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi. Other dignitaries included Publisher of This Day Newspaper and founder of Arise News TV, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who is also a former staff of Vanguard; Lagos State former Commissioner of Information, Steve Ayorinde; the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; media executives and numerous former staff of the company who testified to Uncle Sam’s kind-heartedness and human nature.
Setting the tone for the evening, Osoba recounted Amuka’s journey in Nigerian journalism, including his role in establishing The Punch before founding Vanguard Newspaper in 1984.
He said Amuka briefly left journalism for the fishery business after parting ways with The Punch, but soon returned to what he called his greatest passion. Osoba also praised Amuka for upholding Vanguard’s editorial independence, recalling that during the 2023 election campaign he had complained to the publisher that the APC was unhappy with the paper’s editorial stance.
“Rather than interfere with the newspaper’s editorial decision, Amuka referred me to the editor, Eze Anaba. I was embarrassed,” he recalled, describing Amuka as “a generalissimo of journalism in Nigeria.”
But beyond the long speeches and tributes to the man who mentored many of Nigeria’s “great pen pushers,” a major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a publication documenting key events, personalities and defining moments in Nigeria’s history through Vanguard’s coverage over four decades.
The book reviewer, Mr Gbemiga Ogunnleye took the audience through the compelling story behind the making of Vanguard. He paid tributes to departed members of staff, stirring deep emotion in the hall.
As he reeled out their names, silence fell over the venue in a solemn moment of remembrance.
The book, which was originally meant to be presented to the public in 2024, when Vanguard clocked 40 years on the newsstands, documents significant events, personalities and milestones in Nigeria’s history through Vanguard’s reportage spanning four decades.
According to the book reviewer, “It’s a fitting testament to what is possible when young men and women share the vision of a man determined to live his dreams. Young men and women left their comfort zones, leaving certainty for uncertainty, to partake in the vision of Uncle Sam. This book is a compelling account of the challenges and tribulations of the early years of Vanguard.
“Not surprising, the book begins with a foreword by Uncle Sam’s friend of over 60 years and his colleague at Daily Times, Chief Segun Osoba, who aptly described his friend as a lucky man because
It is not often that a person gets a second chance to succeed. Having got his fingers burnt in Punch, a good fortune smiled on him with a second chance in Vanguard”.
After the book launch, the programme moved into another key segment: the reunion proper. Tagged ‘Meet and Greet of the Vanguard Alumni,’ members took turns introducing themselves to loud cheers and applause from the audience
Sharing his experience as a former Vanguard staff, Chairman of Vanguard Media Alumni Association, Pastor Eyobong 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.
“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, Vanguard is a place where dreams come true,’’ he said.
The atmosphere was electric when Mr Peter Obi arrived at the event. His grand entrance was met with a standing ovation and a rousing rendition of the heroic Igbo song “Ebube Dike. For minutes, the hall rang with chants of ‘Okwute!’ He later gave a brief speech, praising Vanguard’s role in nation-building.
The event ended on a high note, with the alumni members taking to the dancefloor. Amuka, who marked his 91st birthday on June 13 this year then summoned members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in attendance to the dancefloor to dance to the glory of God.
Indeed, it was a beautiful reunion of the Vanguard family filled with memories, fun and laughter.
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