Vanguard alumni to unveil book chronicling newspaper’s 40-year journey, newsroom culture

The Alumni Body of Vanguard Newspaper is set to unveil a commemorative book chronicling the newspaper’s four-decade journey, newsroom culture and contributions to Nigerian journalism as part of activities celebrating the Vanguard legacy.

Titled The Chronology of Vanguard Newspaper, the book documents the evolution of the newspaper, its impact on society and the experiences and contributions of journalists and other professionals who helped build the organisation over the years.

The announcement was made during an appearance on Villa Square, a special segment of Cre8tive 9ja, a weekly tourism and culture magazine programme hosted by veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji on Mainland 98.3FM.

Members of the Vanguard Alumni Planning Committee, including its Coordinator, Sam Eferaro; Chairman, Agnes Otsemobor; and member, Funmi Komolafe, used the programme to reflect on their experiences at the newspaper and the enduring bond among former staff.

Eferaro said the newspaper’s distinctive work culture continued to bind former employees together long after they left the organisation.

“Vanguard has a rich work culture for its staff and there is no way you will work for Vanguard Newspaper and forget about the experience. Even after years of retirement, we still communicate together because we have a platform where we share information, interact and help each other,” he said.

He said the anniversary gathering would provide former staff with an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate their shared history and relive memorable moments from their years at the newspaper.

According to Eferaro, the book project took several years to complete and received contributions from more than 20 editors.

He described the publication as a valuable resource for journalists and students of journalism, urging young and aspiring practitioners to read it and draw lessons from the experiences documented in the book.

Eferaro also described the Vanguard newsroom as one of the most vibrant in the country, recalling the creativity, competitiveness and camaraderie that characterised the organisation, particularly during its formative years.

He said the newsroom culture encouraged journalists to pursue exclusive stories and develop compelling headlines capable of attracting readers and strengthening the newspaper’s position in the competitive media market.

Using a humorous newsroom anecdote, Eferaro recalled how journalists and editors often worked under intense pressure while maintaining a strong sense of camaraderie.

Otsemobor, Chairman of the Vanguard Alumni Planning Committee, described Vanguard Publisher, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam, as a father figure whose leadership helped shape the careers of generations of journalists.

She said Amuka-Pemu created an environment in which staff developed a strong sense of belonging and responsibility towards the organisation.

“Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu is a doyen of journalism who got all of us together. We started Vanguard from nothing, but we had this camaraderie and he made us feel like a family. He ensured everyone gave their all to the job to make sure that the paper became such a success as it is today,” she said.

Recalling her experience at Vanguard in the 1990s, Otsemobor said the publisher was known for his informal and convivial relationship with staff.

She recalled moments when staff members gathered around him during informal interactions at the office, describing him as “a jolly good fellow.”

According to her, the relationship between the publisher and employees contributed significantly to the sense of community that characterised the newspaper.

‘Vanguard is a spirit’

Meke, who chairs the venue committee for the anniversary event and began his journalism career at Vanguard, said the newspaper played an important role in creating opportunities for journalists, particularly women, to develop their careers.

He said Vanguard’s influence on former employees extended beyond the workplace, creating a professional identity and bond that remained strong years after they left the organisation.

“Vanguard is a spirit that can never get out of you as a staff. For us, the members of the Alumni body, we are just seeing ourselves for the first time in many years. I am fully committed to the Vanguard spirit and the event will be filled with fun,” Meke said.

He said the programme would feature discussions and reminiscences designed to reveal some of the experiences behind Vanguard’s growth and success, particularly its newsroom culture.

Meke added that former members of staff would use the occasion to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the institution that shaped their professional lives.

Komolafe, a member of the Alumni Planning Committee, urged young journalists to remain committed to the ethics of the profession and use journalism as a tool for positive contribution to society.

She advised practitioners to distinguish facts from opinions, verify information and maintain balance in their reports.

“As a journalist, you have a conscience and you know what is right and wrong. Do your reporting and do not manipulate facts. Do not put out your ideas as fact because, as we used to say in journalism, when you doubt, you find out,” she said.

Komolafe further urged young journalists to remain focused, uphold professional standards and prepare themselves for the challenges of the profession.

She identified accuracy, fairness and integrity as essential attributes for journalists, stressing that credibility remained one of the most important assets of a media professional.

Preserving Vanguard’s institutional memory

Vanguard Media was founded by veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu in 1984. The newspaper began as a weekly publication on June 3, 1984, before becoming a daily newspaper on July 3 of the same year.

Over the decades, Vanguard has established itself as one of Nigeria’s major newspapers, with its motto, “Towards a better life for the people,” reflecting its longstanding emphasis on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians and the wider society.

The newspaper marked its 40th anniversary in 2024, with former editors, journalists and other members of staff reflecting on its evolution and contribution to the Nigerian media industry.

The alumni’s commemorative book project is therefore positioned not merely as a celebration but as an effort to preserve the institutional memory of one of Nigeria’s enduring newspaper brands.

The publication is expected to capture the experiences, personalities, professional culture and defining moments that shaped Vanguard, while providing younger journalists and students of journalism with an insight into the traditions and practices of an influential Nigerian newsroom.

Written by Onyeka Ezike