President Bola Tinubu has congratulated a veteran journalist and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka-Pemu, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
Tinubu, in a personally signed statement made available by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, described Amuka as a man who devoted most of his life to journalism.
He said, “Today, I celebrate Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, iconic journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, on his 90th birthday. Fondly called Uncle Sam, Amuka-Pemu started his career at the Daily Times.
“Then, he co-founded The Punch with the late accountant, Chief Olu Aboderin. After parting ways with Aboderin, he set up the Vanguard newspaper in 1984, which became one of Nigeria’s most influential newspapers under his leadership. Mr. Amuka-Pemu has devoted most of his life to journalism.”
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Tinubu commended the publisher for keeping the 41-year-old newspaper alive through his managerial acumen.
According to him, Amuka-Pemu remains a shining example of dedication, resilience, and integrity within the media industry.
“Today, he is not just a leader of the profession; he is a doyen. His leadership, from the altar of journalism, has influenced the media landscape and extended to his role as a respected leader in Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone, making him an elder statesman.
“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 and his exemplary leadership in the field of journalism,” the President stated.
Tinubu, therefore, urged younger journalists to emulate the highly respected publisher and leader who he said has made invaluable contributions to journalism.
“Our country is deeply grateful for his enduring legacy,” he added.
The President on Thursday conferred a national honour, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), on Amuka-Pemu, during an address at the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day.
He also conferred national honours on 32 others.
“Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13,” he said.
Source: Channels TV
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