By Beifoh Osewele
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Lagos (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, has hailed
Pa Sam Amuka Pemu, veteran journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, as living legend of Nigerian journalism.
In a statement he personally signed to congratulate him on his 90th birthday, Mr. Bello said in post-colonial Nigeria, few, if any, can be said to come close to the man fondly called Uncle Sam in journalism practice in terms of ramifications.
Mr. Bello, ace journalist and former editor stated that on account of Pa Amuka’s indelible footprints (from reportorial to editorship to punditry to managerial), he is undeniably a complete newspaperman.
The statement continued: “From the outset, he honed his exquisite writing skills under the tutelage of iconic poet, John Pepper Clark, at the Sunday Express, where the latter was features editor. From there he joined the Daily Times, then the flagship of Nigeria’s media industry.
“At individual level, Uncle Sam showcased his power of discernment and moral conscience through his popular column named “Sad Sam” devoted to either pillorying power abuse or satirising the foibles of indulgent elite in the society.
“At managerial level, Uncle Sam’s uncommon organisational acumen is perhaps best illustrated by the success stories of two of Nigeria’s oldest national dailies — The Punch and Vanguard. As a complete newspaperman, he was pivotal in the founding of the Punch with his accountant friend, Chief Olu Aboderin. Following a disagreement, he left to set up Vanguard. “That the two newspapers are still standing 50 years later today is surely a testament to Uncle Sam’s Midas touch.
“Overall, perhaps Uncle Sam’s greatest strength is not just brilliant writing skills, but the moral integrity of his journalism. He is a stickler for professional ethics and is reputed for his generosity of spirit to his workers. Just as he has never failed to lend his influential newspapers to the pursuit of worthy causes.
Therefore, at 90, we cannot but celebrate Uncle Sam as a rare gift, not only to journalism as a profession but also Nigeria as a nation.
“Here is wishing the inimitable Uncle Sam many more years in good health, in the service of the nation and humanity in general.”