The Vanguard Grand Reunion…42 years after, by Muyiwa Adetiba

A book documenting Vanguard's 40-year journey brought former colleagues together, nearly 42 years after the newspaper's early beginnings. The launch prompted reflections on memory, professional friendships and a past that some alumni had not revisited in decades.

The author recalls a monthly Surulere gathering called The Amala Group, made up largely of media veterans and close friends. At one meeting, Uncle Sam did not recognize a relatively new member who had worked with him at both Punch and Vanguard. The author understood the lapse, saying old age can play tricks on memory.

He later experienced something similar at the Vanguard reunion. He could not remember the Joint Organizing Chairman when they were introduced, despite having worked with him during Vanguard's early years. The Organizing Secretary reportedly said he had needed to introduce himself at least twice, even though he too had been involved almost from the beginning.

The reunion also marked the official launch of The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria's Leading Tabloid. The author was the pioneer editor of both Vanguard and its Sunday predecessor. Sunday Vanguard launched on June 3, 1984, about three months before the daily paper.

He says he initially felt reluctant about the book because too much time had passed and he was unsure how much of the past he wanted to relive. He left Vanguard 40 years ago to pursue other opportunities, but remains proud of what he achieved and reflective about the lessons learned. He also questioned whether there could be a reunion for him when most of the alumni had not worked with him.