Babangida, Osoba, Disu lead media elites to Lagos for Vanguard Book launch, alumni reunion - ITREALMS

Members of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association are set to celebrate four decades of impactful publishing with the formal public presentation of a milestone book chronicling 40 years of the “refreshingly different” newspaper, reports ITREALMS.

The organization, comprising former staff of Vanguard Media Limited, will on Wednesday, August 19, launch “The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid” at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 10:00 AM.

The event, organized as a tribute to Vanguard founder and publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu (affectionately known as Uncle Sam), will gather prominent figures from Nigeria's public and media sectors. Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), serves as the Special Guest of Honour, while former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba, will chair the occasion.

Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, while veteran journalist and former Editor of The Punch, Gbemiga Ogunleye, will review the publication.

The book presentation will be immediately followed by the maiden Vanguard Alumni Reunion, bringing together former staff from across the globe, including pioneer Editor, Muyiwa Adetiba, and pioneer General Manager, Chief Ralph Ibiwoye. The gathering will also double as a celebration of Amuka-Pemu, who marked his 91st birthday on June 13.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Sam Eferaro, Co-Chairman of the Planning Committee, highlighted the deep-rooted culture of the publishing house.


"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," Eferaro stated. "It is nearly impossible to work in Vanguard and look the other way when you remember your colleagues and our beloved publisher. We are coming together to celebrate the platform that gave most of us direction in life with a strong foundation."

Echoing these sentiments, Pastor Eyobong Ita, Chairman of the Vanguard Media Alumni Association and former 1980s sports reporter for the tabloid, described the publication as an essential homage.


“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.”

The Vanguard Chronology documents four decades of the newspaper's contributions to Nigerian journalism, public policy debate, and national development while preserving the legacy of its founder's influence on the media landscape.