Former staff members of Vanguard Newspapers will on Wednesday, August 19, convetge on Lagos for the maiden reunion of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association, headlined by the launch of a commemorative book chronicling four decades of the publication.
The event, holding at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, will feature “The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid,” a compilation of experiences and milestones from current and former employees of Vanguard Media Limited.
The programme is also being used to honour the founder and publisher of Vanguard, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, fondly called Uncle Sam, who turned 91 on June 13.
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Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. Former Ogun State governor, Aremo Segun Osoba, will chair the occasion, while the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, will deliver the keynote address. Former Editor of The Punch, Gbemiga Ogunleye, is billed to review the book.
Organisers said the reunion will bring together alumni from across Nigeria and abroad, including pioneer Editor Muyiwa Adetiba and pioneer General Manager Chief Ralph Ibiwoye.
Co-chairman of the planning committee, Sam Eferaro, said the gathering reflects the bond among past and present staff of the media organisation.
“Vanguard is one large but closely knit family. Former staff, current staff, and our well wishers will attend in their numbers from all over the world,” Eferaro said.
He added that the paper’s culture leaves a lasting impression on those who worked there.
“It is nearly impossible to work in Vanguard and look the other way when you remember your colleagues and our beloved publisher. That is why we are coming together to celebrate the platform that gave most of us direction with a strong foundation.”
Chairman of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association, Pastor Eyobong Ita, who worked as a sports reporter at the paper in the 1980s, described the book as a tribute to Amuka’s vision.
“This book is a fitting tribute to Uncle Sam by those of us who had the distinct privilege to work at Vanguard,” Ita said. “It was Uncle Sam’s vision in establishing Vanguard that made many of us who we are today. This book is for him.”
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The Vanguard Chronology documents 40 years of the tabloid’s contribution to journalism, national development and public discourse, and celebrates the legacy of its founder.
[Credit: Chooks Oko Diaspora Gazette]
