FG Hails Vanguard Publisher, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, As A Living Monument To Truth At 90
In a heartfelt tribute at the grand celebration of his 90th birthday, the Federal Government has described the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, as “a living monument to truth, justice, and the undying spirit of patriotism.”
Speaking at the event held in Lagos, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lauded the veteran journalist for his decades-long contribution to journalism, democracy, and national development.
“In Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, we do not just honour a man. We honour an era and a movement,” Idris declared. “He is the quill through which Nigeria wrote its democratic rebirth, a gentle yet unyielding force that nurtured journalism into our collective noble institution.”
Chief Amuka-Pemu, fondly known as Uncle Sam, was celebrated for his pioneering roles in founding The Punch in 1971 and Vanguard in 1983 ventures the Minister said were driven not by personal ambition but by an unwavering duty to country and truth.
Describing him as “arguably the oldest practising journalist in Nigeria,” Idris highlighted his enduring commitment to press freedom and democracy, particularly during Nigeria’s most difficult years under military rule.
The Minister urged today’s media practitioners to draw inspiration from Amuka-Pemu’s legacy by upholding the values of fairness, fearlessness and truth. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for honouring the media icon with a national award in recognition of his lifelong service.
The event drew a distinguished crowd from across the media, political and cultural spectrum.
A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, counted some of the notable guests to include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former governors Peter Obi, James Ibori, Donald Duke, and Babatunde Fashola; media leaders including Nduka Obaigbena, Kabiru Yusuf, and Maiden Alex Ibru; and traditional royalty, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III.
