Federal Government, Governors, Nobel Laureate Soyinka, and Media Giants Honour Iconic At a grand celebration hosted at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria’s political and media elite paid heartfelt tributes to the legendary founder of Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu—popularly known as Uncle Sam—on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The ceremony drew dignitaries such as President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, former governors James Ibori, Donald Duke, Aremo Segun Osoba, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, and other iconic figures in the media landscape. FG Hails Sam Amuka-Pemu as Guardian of Democracy Representing President Tinubu and the Federal Government, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described Amuka-Pemu’s legacy as eternal. According to him, Uncle Sam’s name is embedded in Nigeria’s conscience and symbolizes unwavering commitment to truth and national unity. “We are gathered to honour a true titan—a man who stood as the moral compass of Nigeria during turbulent times. Uncle Sam’s voice has guided Nigeria’s democracy from dictatorship to liberation,” said the Minister. Minister Idris continued by portraying Amuka-Pemu as a walking monument of Nigerian journalism whose influence spans major publications like Daily Times, Sunday Punch, The Punch, and Vanguard. He emphasized that Uncle Sam co-founded The Punch in 1971 with the late Olu Aboderin and founded Vanguard in 1983, both established during politically sensitive times. “He is more than a journalist—he’s a custodian of Nigeria’s democratic journey and an unwavering advocate of press freedom,” Idris added. The Minister concluded by celebrating Uncle Sam as the oldest active journalist in Nigeria, urging current and future journalists to uphold his legacy of fearless and principled reporting. Delta State Governor Oborevwori Calls Him a National Treasure Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Monday Onyeme, echoed similar sentiments, declaring Amuka-Pemu a symbol of national excellence and integrity. According to Oborevwori: “Your contributions as founder of Vanguard and co-founder of The Punch have shaped Nigerian journalism. Through your Sad Sam column, you brought courage and wit that influenced millions.” He hailed Uncle Sam’s adherence to ethical journalism, saying his work has deeply influenced Nigeria’s civic consciousness. Osun Governor Adeleke Prays for Longevity Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, visibly delighted at the event, led celebratory Yoruba praise songs and offered heartfelt prayers for Uncle Sam’s continued life and health. “We celebrated together last year. And today, we celebrate again at 90. By God’s grace, we shall continue to celebrate you at 91, 92, even 100,” Adeleke said. Osoba: “Uncle Sam Is Complex but Extraordinary” Chairman of the event’s organizing committee and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, described the celebrant as a “complex and difficult” individual but deeply principled. Recalling their long friendship and professional journey, Osoba shared anecdotes of trying to convince Amuka-Pemu to accept the birthday celebration. “We argued fiercely, but he finally agreed—on the condition that the event be informal and filled with music. That’s Uncle Sam—calm outside but intensely strong-willed,” Osoba revealed. He also praised Amuka’s courage in the military era, highlighting his satirical writing that often criticized military excesses without fear. “He once described the military as the most privileged class in Nigeria—getting everything free, including the company of ‘attack trade’ girls. Yet, he was never arrested. That’s the fearless Sad Sam we all knew,” Osoba recalled. Soyinka: “He’s the Master of Ambush” Professor Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, described Uncle Sam as deceptively calm but incredibly cunning in journalistic tactics. “Sam is the real master of ambush—soft on the surface but relentless in his storytelling. I can only toast to his health and thank him for the brilliance he brought to Nigerian journalism,” Soyinka said. Reflecting on their early days in media, Soyinka recalled a vibrant group of journalists like Peter Pan and Sad Sam, who shaped Nigeria’s intellectual and democratic space. Aigbogun: “I Never Saw That Complex Side” Frank Aigbogun, a former Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, gave a touching account of his first encounter with Uncle Sam in 1984. He recalled how he was asked a single interview question about a book he was reading. “After that, he simply said, ‘If what I heard about you is true, we want you here.’ I started in August, and worked with him for 14 years. I never encountered the complex side people speak of,” Aigbogun said. He concluded by lauding Uncle Sam as perhaps the finest journalist still active in Nigeria. A Lesson in Leadership and Generosity – Aigbogun’s Recollection Frank Aigbogun, former Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, shared a deeply personal story about Uncle Sam’s unmatched generosity and leadership. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his early career, he recalled how Amuka-Pemu sent him to the UK to cover the elections of Margaret Thatcher—his very first international assignment. “It was my first time visiting the United Kingdom,” Aigbogun said. “Uncle Sam handed me the key to his personal apartment.” Soon after, Aigbogun found himself thrust into the editor’s chair at a very young age. He said Uncle Sam showed unwavering belief in his capabilities. “Every day, he would tell me, ‘Frank, have you ever seen a day when newspapers don’t have front page stories?’ I replied, ‘No.’ Then he told me, ‘The best editor is the one who knows what not to publish.’ That line echoes in my head to this day.” According to Aigbogun, this philosophy shaped his entire career. Uncle Sam often emphasized that while many people can publish stories, the real strength lies in deciding what not to run with—an editorial discipline only the best possess. Amuka-Pemu’s Humility and Originality Stand Out – Adetiba Veteran journalist and pioneer editor of Vanguard, Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba, emphasized that humility and uniqueness define Uncle Sam’s character. “I’ve known Uncle Sam for nearly five decades. Generosity is one of his most remarkable traits. Back in the Punch days, if you complimented his shirt, he would literally take it off and give it to you,” Adetiba said. He added that his admiration goes beyond
