By Japhet Alakam

Lagos—IT was indeed another intellectual gathering and honour well deserved as notable Nigerians, captains of industry, scholars, writers and friends converged on the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, to celebrate the Vanguard Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka, fondly known as Uncle Sam in the media industry.

Regarded as the oldest practising media practitioner in Nigeria, Mr Amuka has been described as a hardworking and perfect  gentleman, who will always stand by you at any time, whether good or bad.  This was the submission of Mr Kunle Hamilton and a host of others at the presentation of a book written by Jimi Disu and dedicated to Uncle Sam.

Held at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, the well attended event was graced by Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. J.P Clark, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Prof. John Amuda, Prof. Egerton Uvieghara, Supo Shasore, Amb. Marcus Bello,  Dr Olumide Adedeji, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor in Chief, Vanguard Media Ltd, Mideno Bayagbon, Editor Vanguard, Abdul Imoyo, Mask master, Lagbaja, Bunmi Sofola, Remi Desalu, Biodun Disu, Yomi Onashile, Taiwo Obe, John Onobote and a host of others.

Hamilton described Uncle Sam as one of those who believe in doing things the right way and asked Nigerians to emulate his style.

The event, which was chaired by Mr Fola Adeola, former Managing Director of GTBank and founder of Hope Foundation, was the public presentation of a book, For Sam: A Collection of Contemporary Thoughts written by Jimi Disu, a former staff of Mr Sam Amuka.  The book published by Quramo Publishing Limited is a cumulation of all the works the author had done.

In his opening remarks, Fola Adeola described the author as good narrator in every respect. “He is ever smiling and releases his thoughts slowly; his laughter is infectious and makes people happy at all times. He should be a role model for others.”

In his remarks, an elated Uncle Sam, who thanked all for honouring the invitation, described the title of the book as one of the many battles he had lost. “I was quite amused the first time he showed me the title. I said, ‘if you publish a book for Uncle Sam with this title how would it sell?’ But he was adamant. I am a very lucky person to have people who expressed interest and followed me to write a book so refreshing and dedicated it to Sam. For me this is something that money cannot buy. Jimi, I appreciate you.”

The book reviewers, Angela Ajetunmobi, Kunle Hamilton and Muyiwa Majekodunmi, who also served as the panellists, described the book as a brilliant and educative work that covers many areas of life.