By Kazie Uko

One of the most memorable and eventful work I have had to undertake as a media professional outside of the newsroom was working with the then gubernatorial aspirant and now Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, during his campaigns. I was introduced to Dr. Otti in 2018 by our mutual friend, the irrepressible Prince Emeka Obasi (God bless his soul), a quintessential journalist and publisher of the Hallmark Newspaper, who ascended into eternity in 2022, to help organise and strengthen Otti's media.

By Funke Egbemode

She was only 18 years old when she got married in 1989 to her husband who was already a national public figure. Indeed, her husband was already a former Head of State when they became husband and wife. And no, she did not marry him for money. Her grandfather, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu was Nigeria’s first Minister of Defence.

By Azu Ishiekwene

I met him several times after he became Nigeria’s president in 2015, but the meetings did not change my impression of him as an enigma. Yet, as history peels back layer after layer of Muhammadu Buhari’s place, we may discover the essence of his beguiling simplicity.

By Hassan Gimba

"The days of life pass away like clouds, so do good while you are alive." - Imam Ali (AS)

Many people may expect me to write about the late President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired Nigerian Army Major General who was many things to many people and different things to different people.

By Owei Lakemfa

Twenty years ago, I got a message that Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, the publisher of the Vanguard Newspapers could not be found. It was his 70th birthday and plans to mark it were in place, but the celebrant was not responding to calls. He seems to have simply vanished.

By Ademola Adegbamigbe

Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, who is marking his birthday this Friday, 20 June, has a rare gift. He can keep a straight face that is difficult to read by his enemies. He put this into use on one of those days when General Sani Abacha was Head of State, ruling Nigeria like Adolf Hitler, leader of the Third Reich.

By Dare Babarinsa

Sam Amuka-Pemu (Sad Sam) has staying power. He has remained a prominent Nigerian for more than half-a-century. In 1967 when he was appointed the editor of the Sunday Times, he was just 32. Before then, he had been the editor of Spear magazine, also published by the Daily Times group. In 1973, he collaborated with Chief Olu Aboderin, a wealthy accountant, to start the phenomenal Punch newspapers. It was a collaboration made in heaven. Amuka had the idea. Aboderin had the money. The Punch remained till today, but not the friendship or collaboration between Aboderin and Amuka-Pemu.

By Azu Ishiekwene

On paper, it looked like a mismatch. Iran is not only one of the oldest and most established places in the Persian Gulf but also at least 75 times the size of Israel, with a population nine to ten times larger. Size for size, it’s a modern-day David and Goliath match-up, with ancient history squarely on Iran’s side.

By Bola Bolawole

“Countries have no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interests” - Lord Palmerston, 19th century British Prime Minister.

By CDon Adinuba

With the death on Thursday, June 5, of Jibril Aminu, former Minister of Education, former Minister of Petroleum, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, former Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) President, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), former University of Maiduguri Vice Chancellor, former Professor of Medicine at Howard University in Washington, DC, and a former senator of the Federal Republic, Nigeria has lost one of its brightest and most liberal citizens. I lost a friend and confidant.

By Ikeddy Isiguzo

Media in person The Best Newspaper Man A human being extraordinaire Teacher Mentor Father Immeasurably kind in words, deeds and indeed Humour in motion Uncle Sam, as we popularly call Sam Amuka, no titles, no frills, all thrills, is all things to all peoples and more. Every moment spent with him inspires, encourages and leaves one more educated. I am a beneficiary of his well of wisdom and goodness.

By Bolanle Bolawole

‘Those of us at The PUNCH newspapers were completely blotted out; yet, we stood and fought for June 12 more than anyone else; even more than the Concord newspapers owned by MKO Abiola, the symbol of the June 12 struggle. I stand to be corrected because facts and figures back up this claim’.