IBB, Disu, Osoba, others storm Lagos for Vanguard book launch, alumni reunion
Members of Vanguard Media Alumni Association are celebrating four decades of Vanguard Newspapers with a book that chronicles 40 years of the “refreshingly different” tabloid.
The Association, comprising former staff of Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, will at 10am on Wednesday, August 19, launch “The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid” at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, a fitting tribute to Vanguard’s founder and publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, a.k.a. Uncle Sam, will attract some of Nigeria’s most recognizable names, including the event’s Special Guest of Honor, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s former leader.
Other dignitaries include, the former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, who will chair the occasion, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who will deliver the keynote address, while former Punch Editor Gbemiga Ogunleye will review the book.
Following the Vanguard book launch will be the maiden Vanguard Alumni Reunion, which brings together alumni from all over the world, including the pioneer editor and pioneer general manager of Vanguard, Muyiwa Adetiba and Chief Ralph Ibiwoye, respectively.
The presentation of the book on various experiences of former and some active Vanguard staff, will also feature a celebration of Amuka-Pemu, the publisher of Vanguard who turned 91 on June 13.
“Vanguard is one large but closely knit family; all former staff, current staff, and our well-wishers will attend the event in their numbers from all over the world,” said Sam Eferaro, co-chairman of the event’s planning committee.
Vanguard, Eferaro added, has a unique culture that makes it impossible to forget the experience of working there.
“It is nearly impossible to work in Vanguard and look the other way when you remember your colleagues and our beloved publisher,” he said. “That is why we are all coming together to celebrate the platform that gave most of us direction in life with a strong foundation; it is going to be memorable as colleagues who had not seen themselves since they left Vanguard will meet once again.”
The Vanguard Chronology, which will be launched on Wednesday, captures four decades of Vanguard’s contribution to journalism, national development, and public discourse. It celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Vanguard’s Founder and Publisher, Amuka. His influence on the Nigerian media landscape remains profound and enduring.
“This book is a fitting tribute to “Uncle Sam” by those of us who had the distinct privilege to work at Vanguard,” said Pastor Eyobong Ita, the Chairman of Vanguard Media Alumni Association, who worked as a sports reporter at Vanguard in the 1980s. “It was Uncle Sam’s vision in establishing Vanguard that made many of us who we are today. This book is for him.”
