The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State at the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, has felicitated with renowned journalist and the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu CON, fondly called Uncle Sam, as he clocked 90 years.
Dafinone also congratulated Uncle Sam on his well-deserved national award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger by President Bola Tinubu to mark his 90th birthday celebrations.
The Delta Central lawmaker commended President Tinubu for honouring Sam Amuka with a national award for his pro-democracy stance and development of the journalism profession in Nigeria.
The Senator, in a congratulatory statement on Friday, described Uncle Sam as a proud son of Delta State and doyen of the media profession in Nigeria.
According to Dafinone, Uncle Sam’s excellent dedication to the pen profession and upholding the ideals of a progressive nation and fighting against military juntas through journalism remained remarkable.
“I warmly felicitate with the doyen of Nigerian journalism and a proud son of Delta State, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, CON, on the occasion of his 90th birthday and the well-deserved national honour recently conferred on him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is not only a personal milestone for Uncle Sam but also a moment of pride and celebration for the entire media industry and the people of Delta, particularly Sapele, which he has always represented with distinction.
“Uncle Sam Amuka’s life is a shining testimony to the power of integrity, excellence, and dedication in shaping a profession and influencing a nation. As the founder of Vanguard Newspapers and co-founder of Punch Newspapers, his legacy as a media icon remains indelible. He is not just a seasoned journalist but a refined and principled voice who has upheld the ethics of the profession for over six decades.
“I join millions of Nigerians and members of the media community in saluting a trailblazer whose contributions have helped sustain democracy and press freedom in our country. Uncle Sam’s clarity of thought, humility, and firm grip on the pen have earned him respect across generations. He is indeed a Proper Sapele Boy—one whose calm intellect and cultural pride continue to inspire younger Deltans and Nigerians at large.
“I also commend President Tinubu for recognizing this national treasure with a prestigious honour. This acknowledgement is timely and richly deserved. It affirms values such as truth, resilience, and service to country still matter—and Uncle Sam embodies them all.
“On behalf of the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I say thank you, Uncle Sam, for blazing the trail and staying true to your roots. May God continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, and peace. Happy 90th birthday, Sir!” the statement added.
