Uncle Sam: A book launch, day of honour at 80

MR. Sam Amuka, the widely acclaimed doyen of Nigerian journalism, easily comes across as a man who is contented to remain in the shadows of his prodigious achievements. But Uncle Sam, as he is fondly called, certainly will have nowhere to hide tomorrow, Thursday, July 30 when leading media professionals and industry chiefs gather to celebrate and honour him with a book launch and lecture on the future of journalism.
The Vanguard Newspapers publisher and life patron of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, will be the focus of attention at the event holding at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The book published by Diamond Publications Limited, and titled, Voices from Within: Essays in Nigerian Journalism in Honour of Sam Amuka (2nd Edition), is considered a befitting climax to the outpouring of tributes to commemorate his 80th birthday, which was marked last June. With journalism practice and how to efficiently apply it for greater impact in society as its primary focus, the book features 22 experienced contributors who were selected for their commitment to the continued growth of the media. It is a sequel to an earlier edition published in 2005.

Roll call of contributors

The roll call of contributors include Mr. Frank Aigbogun, publisher, BusinessDay; Mr. Debo Adesina, Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian; Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, columnist, Leadership; Mrs. Tinu Odugbemi, former National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, chairperson, Lagos State; Mallam Mohammed Haruna, columnist, Daily Trust and The Nation; Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ; Mr. Jibade Fasina-Thomas, pioneer editor of Sunday Punch; Mr. Godwin Agbroko (deceased), former Editorial Page Editor, Thisday; Mr. Ebun Aleshinloye, editorial cartoonist; Mr. Tam Fiofori, photojournalist and author; Mr. Ted Iwere, publisher, Business Dispatch and Mr. Stanley Egbochuku, publisher, Manufacturing Today.

Others are Mr. Tony Iyare, editor-in-chief, The Gleaner Online and former SSA Media to Edo State Governor; Mr. Ben Lawrence, former managing editor, Daily Times and columnist, Tell magazine; Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM and Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard; Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, editor, Vanguard; Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, former editor, Sunday Vanguard; Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba, pioneer editor of Vanguard; Mr. Tunde Fagbenle, columnist, Sunday Punch; Mallam Ish’aq Moddibo Kawu, columnist, Vanguard; Mr. Kenny Adamson, editorial cartoonist and Mr. Lanre Idowu, CEO, Diamond Publications, who also is the editor of the book.

The lecture entitled, Today’s Newsroom, Tomorrow’s Newspaper: How to Survive and Thrive in the Internet Age, which is a complement to the book launch in celebrating Uncle Sam, will be delivered by Mr Ted Iwere. Given the huge popularity Uncle Sam enjoys within and outside the media, the two-pronged event is expected to draw a significant crowd of admirers and well-wishers many of who will use the opportunity to express their appreciation of his remarkable contribution to the evolution of journalism in Nigeria and the world at large.