By Onyeka Ezike
The Alumni Body of Vanguard Newspaper have announced plans to launch a commemorative book chronicling the history and evolution of the newspaper as part of activities celebrating the Vanguard legacy.
The book, titled “The Chronology of Vanguard Newspaper” is expected to document the newspaper’s journey, its impact on the society, newsroom culture and the contributions of journalists and other professionals who helped build the organisation over the years.
The announcement was made during an appearance on Villa Square, a special segment of Cre8tive 9ja, a weekly tourism and culture magazine programme hosted by veteran tourism journalist, Frank Meke, and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji on Mainland 98.3FM.
Speaking on the programme, members of the Vanguard Alumni Planning Committee, including its Coordinator, Sam Eferaro; Chairman, Agnes Otsemobor; and member, Funmi Komolafe, reflected on their experiences at the newspaper and the enduring bond among former staff.
Eferaro said Vanguard had a unique work culture that continued to bind former employees together long after leaving the organisation.
“Vanguard has a rich work culture for its staff and there is no way you will work for Vanguard Newspaper and forget about the experience. Even after years of retirement, we still communicate together because we have a platform where we share information, interact and help each other,” he said.
According to him, the anniversary gathering would provide an opportunity for former staff to reconnect, celebrate their shared history and relive memorable moments from their years at the newspaper.
He said the book project, which took several years to complete, was contributed to by more than 20 editors and would serve as a valuable resource for journalists and students of journalism.
Eferaro urged young and aspiring journalists to read the book and use the experiences documented in it as a guide to their professional practice.
He also described the Vanguard newsroom as one of the most vibrant in the country, recalling the creativity and camaraderie that characterised the organisation in its early years.
Using a humorous newsroom anecdote, Eferaro recalled how journalists and editors often worked under intense pressure while maintaining a strong sense of camaraderie.
He said the culture encouraged journalists to pursue exclusive stories and develop compelling headlines capable of attracting readers and strengthening the newspaper’s position in the market.
Otsemobor, Chairman of the Vanguard Alumni Planning Committee, described the newspaper’s Publisher, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam, as a father figure whose leadership helped shape the careers of generations of journalists.
She said Amuka-Pemu created an environment where staff felt a strong sense of belonging and responsibility towards the organisation.
“Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu is a doyen of journalism who got all of us together. We started Vanguard from nothing, but we had this camaraderie and he made us feel like a family. He ensured everyone gave their all to the job to make sure that the paper became such a success as it is today,” she said.
Recalling her experience at Vanguard in the 1990s, Otsemobor said the publisher was known for his informal and convivial relationship with staff.
She recalled how staff members would gather around him during informal moments at the office, describing him as “a jolly good fellow.”
Meke, who chairs the venue committee and began his journalism career at Vanguard, said the newspaper played a significant role in providing opportunities for journalists, particularly women, to develop their careers.
According to him, Vanguard’s influence on those who worked there went beyond the workplace.
“Vanguard is a spirit that can never get out of you as a staff. For us, the members of the Alumni body, we are just seeing ourselves for the first time in many years. I am fully committed to the Vanguard spirit and the event will be filled with fun,” Meke said.
He added that the programme would feature discussions and reminiscences designed to reveal some of the experiences behind Vanguard’s growth and success, particularly its newsroom culture.
Meke said former members of staff would use the occasion to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the institution that shaped their professional lives.
Komolafe, a member of the Alumni Planning Committee, urged young journalists to remain committed to the ethics of the profession and use journalism to contribute positively to society.
She advised journalists to distinguish facts from opinions, verify information and maintain balance in their reports.
“As a journalist, you have a conscience and you know what is right and wrong. Do your reporting and do not manipulate facts. Do not put out your ideas as fact because, as we used to say in journalism, when you doubt, you find out,” she said.
Komolafe further urged young journalists to remain focused, uphold professional standards and prepare themselves for the challenges of the profession.
She said journalists should be guided by accuracy, fairness and integrity, stressing that credibility remained one of the most important assets of a journalist.
Vanguard Media was founded by veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu in 1984. The newspaper began as a weekly publication on June 3, 1984, before becoming a daily newspaper on July 3, 1984.
Over four decades, Vanguard has established itself as one of Nigeria’s major newspapers, with its motto, “Towards a better life for the people,” reflecting its longstanding emphasis on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians and the wider society.
The newspaper marked its 40th anniversary in 2024, with former editors, journalists and other members of staff reflecting on its evolution and legacy.
The commemorative book project is part of efforts by former staff to preserve the history, experiences and institutional memory of the newspaper for present and future generations.
