Former Vanguard Employees Pen Tribute Book to Mark Uncle Sam's 91st Birthday

Former staff of Vanguard Media Limited are set to launch a commemorative book in honour of the newspaper's founder, Sam Amuka-Pemu, as he celebrates his 91st birthday, with the unveiling scheduled for June 13.

n

This milestone event will coincide with the launch of the book, titled ‘The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid,’ which comprises 46 chapters contributed by 46 former staff members.

n

Lanre Alabi, former Business Editor of Vanguard newspaper from 1992 to 1999, revealed that the book project has been in the works for years, with the writing completed and the formal launch now slated for this year.

n

According to Alabi, the idea behind the publication was conceived when former staff came together to document their experiences at Vanguard and highlight the organisation's impact on their careers.

n

The book is a reflection of the organisation's legacy and the impact it has had on those who worked within it, with Alabi noting that the project has been a long time in the making.

n

Alabi explained that the group had planned to launch the book last year but it didn't happen, so they are now looking at launching it this year, as part of activities lined up to celebrate Amuka-Pemu's enduring legacy in Nigerian journalism.

n

The former staff visited Amuka-Pemu ahead of the launch to formally inform and honour him, with Alabi stating that it was necessary to pay their respects and introduce the alumni formally.

n

The visit was also an opportunity for the group to inform Amuka-Pemu of their plans to celebrate his legacy, launch the book, and organise a global reunion of Vanguard staff.

n

The Vanguard Alumni Association, which was established about two years ago, is comprised of about 200 ex-employees of the organisation, with all members involved in the process leading to the publication.

n

Although not all members contributed chapters to the book, Alabi noted that everyone is part of the process, and the launch will also be an opportunity for a reunion of staff across Nigeria and in the diaspora.

n

The association is planning its first major reunion alongside the book launch, which will include staff from the UK, US, and Canada, and will formally inform the current Vanguard staff of its activities during a scheduled visit.

n

Some of the ex-staff present at the visit included Omowunmi Lawrence, Richard Akinnola, Frank Meke, and Agnes Otsemobor, as well as the current Vanguard Editor, Mr Eze Anaba.