The Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Media Limited, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly referred to as Uncle Sam, has been described as a journalist of great accomplishments by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The commendation came on the occasion of Amuka-Pemu’s 84th birthday anniversary.
The president said Uncle Sam had served as a good example to all in view of his deep understanding and patriotic appreciation of Nigeria, his devotion, sense of duty and leadership in the media industry.
The president said he recognised the octogenarian’s unrelenting contributions to promoting professionalism in the media industry at a time when disinformation and fake news threatened the very essence of a free and unbiased press in a democratic society.
“On behalf of all Nigerians who believe in the values the veteran journalist has championed as a consummate professional in the Nigerian Press, President Buhari wishes Mr Amuka-Pemu good health, happiness and God’s continued benevolence on this special day,” the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in the statement on behalf of his principal.
In the same vein, in a statement he personally signed, Okowa described Uncle Sam as an amiable and well respected media practitioner of great accomplishments.
According to the Governor, “the celebrants impeccable credentials as a columnist, editor, and publisher has spanned nearly five decades making him the oldest practising media professional in Nigeria today.”
He added that Amuka-Pemu’s contributions to the Nigerian press had been demonstrated, not only in the growth of his newspaper, but also the ethical positions he had consistently taken on issues of corruption, good governance and the rule of law.
“The advent of Vanguard newspaper, in 1984, shaped the course of journalism in Nigeria as it accentuated racy news, balanced reporting, and incisive commentary: a tradition that has continued, and thus, become a significant force in the socio-political evolution of the country,” he added.
Okowa paid glowing tributes to him for remaining faithful to the journalism profession where he has remained a role model to many as a working journalist, an employer and entrepreneur and urged him not to relent in his efforts of mentoring the younger generation on the fine art of journalism and newspaper management.
