President Bola Tinubu celebrated Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, founder and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, on his 90th birthday, recognizing his contributions to Nigeria’s media industry.
The tribute, issued through a statement by Special Adviser on Information Bayo Onanuga, highlighted Amuka’s 41-year leadership of Vanguard, established in 1984, and his earlier roles at Daily Times and as co-founder of The Punch. The acknowledgment, coinciding with Democracy Day, emphasized Amuka’s role in shaping public discourse.
Amuka’s stewardship transformed Vanguard into a leading publication, with a daily circulation of 100,000, navigating economic challenges that shuttered competitors. His 2025 conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), announced during Democracy Day, recognized his influence in Delta State and Nigeria’s South-South region. The milestone, marked by a private event in Lagos, reflected Amuka’s career, which began in the 1950s and included pioneering Nigeria’s first color printing press in 1990. His advocacy for press freedom, evident during the 1990s military era, cemented his legacy.
The tribute aligns with Tinubu’s efforts to engage Nigeria’s media, despite tensions over 2024’s journalist detentions. Amuka’s 90th birthday, a celebration of journalistic endurance, underscores the media’s role in Nigeria’s democracy, particularly amid economic strains like 34% inflation. The recognition, a nod to Amuka’s contributions, highlights the government’s commitment to honoring media pioneers while navigating challenges to press credibility and independence in a polarized political landscape.