By Alltimepost.com.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka as the authentic “Uncle” of the Nigerian media industry as he celebrates his 80-year birthday.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the Governor said: “your attainment of 80 in today’s Nigeria, where life expectancy is below 50, is a testament of God’s grace upon your life and the prayers of the hundreds of lives and families you have touched since the existence of the Vanguard newspapers.
“As a young man, I was privileged to read some of your “Sad Sam” columns and was enthralled by the fluency of your language and flow of your thoughts.
“Even today, at 80, your sense of humor, rare intellect and the simple lifestyle you have adopted are some of the qualities that have continued to endear many to you.
“Vanguard, the refreshingly different newspaper which you birthed in 1984, has remained true to being the voice of the masses and conscience of the people and your dream for the newspaper has remained true in spite of the harsh investment climate in the past years.
“In other climes, you would have long been awarded the seat of a Professor of Journalism in an Ivy League University, however, the hundreds of young reporters, columnists and editors who passed through you at The Punch and Vanguard ‘Schools of Journalism’ would readily agree that, indeed, you truly deserve to be a Professor of Journalism as you remain the indisputable leader of the Nigerian media today.
“Uncle Sam, at 80, you remain an exemplar in humility and industry and I pray God to grant you many more years in active service to humanity.”
