Vanguard @40: Alumni To Unveil Book Documenting Journalism, Legacy And Newsroom Culture

Former Vanguard journalists reunite to preserve the memories, lessons and people behind one of Nigeria’s most enduring newspaper brands

For generations of Nigerian journalists, Vanguard Newspaper has been more than a place of work. It has been a school, a newsroom family and, for many of its former staff, a defining chapter in their professional lives.

That enduring bond will take centre stage as the Vanguard Alumni prepares to unveil a commemorative book documenting the history, evolution and remarkable people behind the newspaper as part of activities celebrating the Vanguard legacy.

Titled: “The Chronology of Vanguard Newspaper”, the book is expected to preserve the story of the newspaper from its early years, capturing its newsroom culture, major milestones, professional experiences and the contributions of journalists, editors and other professionals who helped build the institution into one of Nigeria’s most recognisable newspaper brands.

The book project was discussed during an appearance by members of the Vanguard Alumni Planning Committee on Villa Square, a special segment of Cre8tive 9ja, a weekly tourism and culture programme hosted by veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji on Mainland 98.3FM.

Speaking during the programme, the Coordinator of the Vanguard Alumni Planning Committee, Sam Eferaro, Chairman, Agnes Otsemobor, and committee member, Funmi Komolafe, took listeners down memory lane, recalling the experiences, friendships and professional values that continue to connect former Vanguard staff decades after leaving the newspaper.

For Eferaro, the Vanguard experience is difficult to forget.

He described the newspaper as an institution with a unique work culture that created strong bonds among its employees and continued to connect former staff long after their careers at the organisation had ended.

He explained that the alumni platform has provided an avenue for former colleagues to remain connected, share information, support one another and maintain the relationships forged during their years in the newsroom.

According to him, the forthcoming anniversary gathering will provide an opportunity for former staff to reconnect, celebrate their shared history and relive some of the memorable moments that shaped their careers.

He disclosed that the book, which took several years to complete, received contributions from more than 20 editors and is expected to become a valuable resource for journalists, journalism students and anyone interested in the history of Nigerian journalism.

Eferaro encouraged young and aspiring journalists to read the publication, saying the experiences documented in it could provide useful lessons for those entering a profession that continues to demand courage, discipline, accuracy and creativity.

His recollections also brought back memories of the vibrant Vanguard newsroom, where journalists worked under intense pressure but found ways to combine hard work with humour, friendship and healthy competition.

He recalled an era when reporters chased exclusive stories and editors pushed for headlines capable of grabbing readers’ attention and keeping the newspaper competitive in a rapidly changing media environment.

For Agnes Otsemobor, however, the Vanguard story cannot be told without acknowledging the role of its Publisher, Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam.

She described the veteran journalist and publisher as a father figure whose leadership helped shape the careers of generations of journalists who passed through the organisation.

According to her, Amuka-Pemu fostered a sense of family within the organisation, encouraging staff to give their best and take personal responsibility for the success of the newspaper.

Looking back at her years at Vanguard in the 1990s, Otsemobor recalled the publisher’s informal relationship with staff, describing him as a warm and convivial figure who helped create an environment where employees felt a strong sense of belonging.

For veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke, who also began his journalism career at Vanguard, the influence of the newspaper extends well beyond the years spent on its payroll.

“Vanguard is a spirit that can never get out of you as a staff,” he said, reflecting the deep emotional connection many former employees still have with the institution.

Meke, who chairs the venue committee for the anniversary event, said the gathering would provide an opportunity for former staff to reconnect after many years apart, exchange memories and celebrate the institution that played a significant role in shaping their professional journeys.

He also disclosed that the programme would feature discussions and reminiscences designed to reveal some of the experiences behind Vanguard’s growth and enduring influence, particularly the newsroom culture that produced generations of journalists.

While the anniversary will look back at the past, Funmi Komolafe used the opportunity to remind today’s journalists that the profession’s future depends heavily on credibility and integrity.

She urged young journalists to remain faithful to the basic principles of journalism by verifying information, distinguishing facts from opinions and avoiding the temptation to manipulate facts to suit a narrative.

Her message was simple but enduring: when in doubt, find out.

Komolafe also encouraged young journalists to remain focused and prepared for the challenges of a profession in which credibility remains one of the most valuable assets.

The history being celebrated by the alumni dates back to 1984, when veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu founded Vanguard Media. The newspaper began as a weekly publication on June 3, 1984, before becoming a daily newspaper on July 3 of the same year.

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

The newspaper marked its 40th anniversary in 2024, providing another opportunity for former editors, journalists and other members of staff to reflect on its remarkable journey.

Now, through The Chronology of Vanguard Newspaper, the alumni are taking that preservation of institutional memory a step further.

The publication is not simply a record of dates and events. It promises to capture the people, personalities, newsroom experiences and professional values that helped shape Vanguard’s identity over the years.

For the former staff preparing to gather once again, it is also a chance to celebrate something that cannot easily be measured in years or headlines, the friendships, mentorship, discipline and shared experiences that made Vanguard a defining chapter in their lives.

And as the alumni prepares to open another page in the Vanguard story, one thing is clear: the newspaper may have changed with the times, but the Vanguard spirit remains firmly alive in the people who helped build it.