Encomium as Sad Sam clocks 80

EMEKA EJERE

He is certainly a Happy Sam today, clocking 80 at a time longevity takes a special grace of God. That is enough to make him look beyond the injustice and harsh inequality that got him SAD, not that the state is free from those ills.

He is certainly a Happy Sam, having broken a historical jinx. In the words of Leadership Newspaper, “For the first time in history, the founder of a newspaper in Nigeria has attained age 80 with his newspaper still standing.

“From Nnamdi Azikiwe who founded the West African Pilot and Obafemi Awolowo who gave birth to Nigerian Tribune to Olu Aboderin of Punch, Alex Ibru of The Guardian and Moshood Abiola of Concord, none but Zik lived to be an octogenarian; even Zik did not see his paper at the newsstands at age 70.”

This, perhaps, explains largely the alarming proportion at which tributes are raining as Uncle Mr. Sam Amuka, publisher of Vanguard Newspaper joins the world of octogenarians even as he still relishes travelling around the world in the pursuit of his passion.

It is no surprise that Nigerians are struggling for space in the air, in the papers and on social media to identify with a veteran journalist and businessman whose 80 years sojourn on earth former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar sees as “A milestone and a testimony to the life of moderation, discipline, kindness and contentment that he has lived.”

His is the story of modern journalism and nationalism in the most populous black nation. Through his objective and thought-provoking pieces, he fought for Nigeria’s independence at the Daily Times, a breeding ground for the leading journalists of his generation, and endured the pangs of disillusionment and war of the post-independence period.

From the Times, he co-founded Punch in 1972 with Olu Aboderin. When  business relationship turned sour for Uncle Sam, he launched out again to found Vanguard in 1984. Today, each of both titles – Punch and Vanguard – has grown to a newspaper chain and is among the leading dailies in Nigeria.

In an editorial, Leadership Newspaper recalled that as a writer and editor, Uncle Sam (as he is fondly called) is one of the greats of the journalism world, pointing out that his column “This Nigeria”, which he wrote under the pseudonym “Sad Sam” in the 1960s through the early ‘80s, mirrored   the Nigerian society of his day.

“No longer shall we refer to him as “Sad Sam”; at 80 today, he has become “Happy Sam”. His sadness should turn to joy, for only a few have attained his age in today’s turbulent world,” the paper noted.

It added, “To all Nigerian publishers, to the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), to all journalists, and to Uncle Sam himself, we say congratulations on the attainment of this milestone. Let the tributes continue to pour in.”

And tributes poured in

In a tribute, President Muhammadu Buhari said it is impossible to forget Mr. Amuka’s contributions to the Nigerian public through his famous column, Sad-Sam, which, he said, provided millions of compatriots much satirical, literary and even political communication satisfaction.The tribute signed by the President reads:

“The Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Media Limited, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, turns 80 on Saturday, June 13, 2015. This event provides an opportunity for me and my family and indeed millions of fellow Nigerians who have in the past three decades been readers of products from media houses with which he has been involved, including the Punch Newspapers, which he started with the late Chief Olu  Aboderin, to felicitate with this talented “gentleman of the press”.

Nigeria has been well served by the presence of the legendary Sam Amuka in the media in the capacity of journalist and columnist with the Daily Times group, of which he served as Editor of the Sunday Times.

It is impossible to forget his contributions to the Nigerian public through his famous column, Sad-Sam, which provided millions of compatriots much satirical, literary and even political communication satisfaction.

The contributions by this veteran journalist to the progress of the Nigerian Press have been manifested not only in the growth and management of the Punch Newspaper and the Vanguard Media Limited, of which he became Chairman and Publisher in 1984, but also the principled positions he has consistently taken on political stability, accountability and the rule of law.

These were clearly demonstrated by his promotion of professionalism by the rank and file of the Police, particularly in the conduct of elections and efficient performance of their duties in every part of the federation.

Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu has provided a worthy example on the fruits of professionalism, industry and teamwork to achieve desired goals. These traits can benefit even the humblest and most silent among professionals, as well as the society with whom they share their lives.

The Federal Government therefore wishes Sam Sam/Uncle Sam good health and even more happiness and progress in the years ahead.

For former governor of Abia State and publisher of The Sun Newspaper, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu,“Sad Sam” column authored by Mr. Amuka provided readers fulfillment and mental satisfaction.

He said: “Uncle Sam, I wish to convey my sincere congratulations to you and your family as you clock the glorious age of 80. With over five decades in journalism, you have remained a shining star in the industry. Despite your age, you continue to inspire and motivate the younger generation in the profession including my good self. To clock the age of 80 is a special grace from God and it is my prayer that He will grant you longer life and continued blessings in the service to humanity.

“Uncle Sam who has several columns to his credit has demonstrated hard work, dedication and highest level of professionalism in his endeavours‎.”

On his part, Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowain a statement by his Communication Manager, Mr Jackson Ekwugum, said:

“Uncle Sam, as he is fondly called by admirers, is an icon of journalism in Nigeria with his impeccable credentials as a columnist, editor and publisher, spanning over four decades”.

The governor recalled that Amuka’s “Sad Sam” column in the Daily Times  in the 60s and early 70s was a must read and contributed immensely to the library of thought and information on public policy and national development, adding that his (Amuka’s)  trail blazing strides in the pen profession continued when he co-founded  The Punch  with the late Olu Aboderin in 1973.

“The advent of  Vanguard,  the ‘refreshingly different’ newspaper in 1984, greatly shaped the course of the journalism profession with its emphasis on racy news, balanced reporting, and incisive commentary,” Governor Okowa also recalled.