NIGERIA: Tinubu Honours Vanguard Publisher, Uncle Sam

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured the veteran journalist and publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam.

The president honored the publisher with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a Democracy Day message, President Tinubu praised Uncle Sam for his lifetime devotion to journalism and his indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape.

Amuka-Pemu began his journalism journey at the Daily Times before co-founding The Punch with the late Chief Olu Aboderin.

After their split, he established Vanguard in 1984. Over the past four decades, the paper has grown into one of the country’s most influential news platforms.

The President described Uncle Sam as a beacon of integrity and resilience in the media, whose leadership has not only shaped journalism but has also earned him respect beyond the newsroom.

He hailed Amuka-Pemu’s enduring commitment to press freedom and public service, calling him a doyen of the profession and an elder statesman in the South-South and across Nigeria.

Tinubu encouraged younger journalists to follow his example, noting that Vanguard’s survival through turbulent times is a testament to Amuka-Pemu’s vision and managerial strength.

“On the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, I conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in profound recognition of his significant contributions to the country,” the President said.

He prayed for continued grace in Uncle Sam’s life and expressed the nation’s deep gratitude for his service to journalism and democracy.