Former staff of Vanguard Media Limited are set to unveil a 46-chapter commemorative book in honour of the newspaper’s founder, Sam Amuka-Pemu, as he marks his 91st birthday.
Speaking on behalf of the ex-staff, former Business Editor of Vanguard (1992–1999), Lanre Alabi, disclosed that the book, titled “The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid,” reflects the organisation’s legacy and the impact it has had on those who worked there.
Alabi explained that although Vanguard has existed for over four decades, the book project had been in development for years, with its official launch now scheduled for this year.
“Actually, the work has been ongoing for a long time. We completed the writing a while ago. What is coming up now is the formal launch,” he said.
He noted that the idea behind the publication was conceived after former staff came together to define their objectives, which included documenting their experiences at Vanguard and highlighting how the organisation shaped their careers.
“We decided to write about Vanguard itself, our experiences, and how the platform helped us in our various endeavours. After completing the book, the next step was to launch it. We had planned for last year, but it didn’t happen, so we are looking at this year,” Alabi added.
According to him, the unveiling is scheduled for June 13 to coincide with Amuka-Pemu’s birthday, as part of activities lined up to celebrate his legacy in Nigerian journalism. Explaining why the group visited the media icon ahead of the launch, Alabi said it was necessary to inform him as a mark of honour.
“You cannot celebrate Vanguard without celebrating Uncle Sam. We came to pay our respects, formally introduce the alumni, and inform him of our plans to celebrate his legacy, launch the book, and organise a global reunion of Vanguard staff,” he said.
The book comprises 46 chapters contributed by 46 former staff members, drawn from a larger alumni body of about 200 ex-employees of the organisation.
While not all members contributed chapters, Alabi noted that everyone was actively involved in the process leading to the publication.
He further revealed that the Vanguard Alumni Association was established about two years ago and is now planning its first major reunion alongside the book launch.
“We are about 200 in the alumni. Not all wrote in the book, but everyone is part of the process. This will also be an opportunity for a reunion of staff across Nigeria and in the diaspora, including the UK, US, and Canada,” he said.
LAlabi added that the association would formally inform the current Vanguard staff of its activities during a scheduled visit to the organisation.
Some of the ex-staff present at the visit included Omowunmi Lawrence (Fashion Flair, Action People, Heartstrings, 1986–1987); Richard Akinnola (1984–1991); Frank Meke (Travel and Tourism Editor); and Agnes Otsemobor (Advert Manager, 1984–1990). Also present was the current Vanguard Editor, Eze Anaba.