President Bola Tinubu on Friday paid tribute to Sam Amuka, publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, as he marked his 90th birthday.
“Fondly called Uncle Sam, Amuka started his career at Daily Times,” Tinubu wrote. “Then, he co-founded Punch with the late accountant Chief Olu Aboderin.”
“After parting ways with Aboderin, he set up Vanguard in 1984, which became one of Nigeria’s most influential newspapers under his leadership,” he added.
The President noted that Amuka had devoted most of his life to journalism.
“It is to his credit and managerial acumen that Vanguard is alive today, 41 years after its founding, despite the crisis in the media industry,” Tinubu said.
“Uncle Sam 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.”
He added that Amuka’s influence extended beyond journalism to his role as a respected figure in Delta State and the wider South-South region, making him an elder statesman.
On this year’s Democracy Day, Tinubu had conferred on Amuka the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), in recognition of his service to the country and outstanding leadership in journalism.
The President called on younger journalists to emulate Amuka’s principles and wished him continued grace and longevity.
“Our country is deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions to journalism and his enduring legacy,” he stated.
(NAN)