A Short Tribute to Mr. Kabir Dangogo by Asare Okae-Anti
My name is Asare Okae-Anti, a member of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana. Today, I join countless others in paying tribute to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the African Public Relations landscape—Mr. Kabir Dangogo.
In 2015, I embarked on a project to document the history of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) in commemoration of its 40th anniversary. During my research, I discovered the pivotal role Mr. Dangogo played in revitalizing APRA during a critical period in its history. Serving as APRA Secretary General from 2003 to 2006, he was instrumental in steering the organization out of a challenging phase. Between 1999 and 2002, APRA had experienced a significant decline in activity. In 2002, Mr. Dangogo was appointed, alongside Mr. Joseph Allotey-Pappoe, to reorganize and breathe new life into the association. It was a strategic decision, and Mr. Dangogo proved to be the right person for the task. His leadership was transformative, and under his guidance, APRA regained its footing and momentum. The rest, as they say, is history.
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When I reached out to him for information to support my project, he graciously shared a copy of the *PR Journal*, a publication he had authored to mark APRA’s 25th anniversary. This document became a cornerstone of my research, with 65% of the material in my book sourced from his work. My book, which chronicled the history of APRA, was officially launched in Cameroon during the association’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. It was a proud moment, and I owe much of its success to Mr. Dangogo’s contributions.
However, I am deeply saddened that I never had the opportunity to interact with him again after the publication. I do not even know if he ever saw a copy of the book. Despite my attempts to reach out to him via Facebook, my messages went unanswered. While this leaves me with a sense of regret, I take solace in knowing that his legacy lives on through his work and the impact he had on APRA and the broader PR community.
Mr. Dangogo’s two-year tenure as Secretary General was marked by efficiency and effectiveness. His dedication to APRA’s mission and his ability to reorganize and revitalize the association during a difficult period remain a testament to his leadership. The *Africa PR Journal* is just one of the many legacies he leaves behind—a legacy that continues to inspire and inform PR professionals across the continent.
Thank you, Mr. Dangogo, for your service, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Rest in perfect peace.
Asare Okae-Anti
Member, African Public Relations Association (APRA)
Strategic Communication Lecturer, University of Education, Winneba
