By Charles Pemu 
Lagos, – Nigeria’s political elite, media titans, and cultural luminaries converged yesterday at the Convention Center of the Eko Hotel and Suites to celebrate the 90th birthday of Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, the revered publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, affectionately known as “Uncle Sam.” The grand event saw a shower of encomiums, describing him as a “guardian of national conscience” and a “sentinel of Nigeria’s democracy.”
Representing the Federal Government, Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, delivered President Bola Tinubu’s tribute, asserting that Amuka-Pemu has indelibly etched his name in the nation’s conscience. “At 90, Sam Amuka-Pemu is not just a nonagenarian; he is a living monument to truth, justice, and the undying spirit of patriotism,” Idris stated, acknowledging his pivotal role in guiding Nigeria through military rule and his recent conferment with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) national honour by President Tinubu.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Monday Onyeme, hailed Uncle Sam as a “national treasure” whose life is a “shining testimony to excellence and unwavering dedication to truth.” Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, visibly elated, led Yoruba songs of gratitude, wishing the celebrant many more years, even to a century.
The tributes took a more intimate and often humorous turn as close associates shared personal insights. Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State governor and chairman of the organizing committee, famously described Amuka-Pemu as a “very complex and difficult character” with “terrible stubbornness,” yet lauded his fearlessness in challenging military regimes through his witty writing as “Sad Sam.” Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka playfully dubbed Amuka-Pemu a “deceptive individual” and “master of ambush” in the journalistic field, praising his “marvellous paragraphs and pages.”
Former Vanguard Editor Frank Aigbogun recounted never encountering Uncle Sam’s “complex side,” describing him as “perhaps, the best journalist living in today’s Nigeria” and a man of immeasurable generosity. Pioneer Editor Muyiwa Adetiba echoed this, highlighting Amuka-Pemu’s “uniqueness and humility.”
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwaste III, offered a profound tribute, observing the synchronicity of Amuka-Pemu’s birthday with Democracy Day, and how his unwavering stand for truth has been divinely vindicated.
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, an emotion-laden Uncle Sam, in his response, humorously remarked, “After this night of tributes, I’m already dead,” expressing his profound pride and gratitude to all attendees and organizers, especially his “aburo and Friend Osoba.”
The event drew a vast array of dignitaries including former Governors James Ibori, Donald Duke, Babatunde Fashola, 2023 Presidential candidate Peter Obi, Chief Bode George, Senator Ben Bruce, and publishers Lady Maiden Ibru and Nduka Obaigbena, underscoring the immense respect and affection held for Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, a true titan of the Nigerian press.