Mazi Okereke Celebrates Kabir Dangogo’s Contributions to Financial PR, APRA
The Public Relations community in Nigeria and across Africa is mourning the loss of Mallam Kabir Dangogo, a distinguished PR practitioner, educator, and pioneer in the field. Dangogo, who passed away recently, was widely celebrated for his transformative contributions to the PR industry, particularly in the banking sector and diplomatic circles.
Mazi Mike Okereke, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the African Public Relations Association (APRA), paid a heartfelt tribute to Dangogo, describing him as a highly principled professional who dedicated his life to advancing the practice of Public Relations.
In a personally penned tribute, Okereke highlighted Dangogo’s instrumental role in rebranding financial Public Relations in Nigeria. As a top manager in one of the country’s leading banks, Dangogo championed the repositioning of PR as a core management function within the banking industry.
He was also the pioneer President of the Association of Public Relations Practitioners in the Banking Industry, where he passionately promoted best practices and elevated the role of PR in financial institutions.
Okereke, who serves as President of BEEC International and Director at The Management School London, underscored Dangogo’s commitment to ethical practice. This was most evident when he chose to retire rather than endorse an anti-PR policy proposed by his employer at the time.
Beyond the banking sector, Dangogo made significant strides in diplomatic Public Relations, notably reinvigorating media relations at the United States Information Service (USIS), leaving a lasting impact on the organization’s communication strategies.
Reflecting on Dangogo’s legacy, Okereke said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a friend and an esteemed Public Relations professional, Mallam Kabir Dangogo. He was a highly principled PR practitioner and educator who played a pivotal role in reshaping financial PR in Nigeria. His efforts helped establish PR as a key management function in the banking industry.
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“Kabir was the pioneer President of the Association of Public Relations Practitioners in the Banking Industry. He was passionate about professional PR practice and took the lead in promoting best practices within the banking sector. As a top manager in one of the country’s leading banks, he chose to retire rather than support an anti-PR policy his employer was set to introduce.”
“We also remember Kabir’s invaluable contributions to diplomatic PR. At the United States Information Service (USIS), he revitalized media relations, setting new standards for communication excellence.”
Okereke also provided insight into Dangogo’s role in the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA), now APRA, and the sweeping reforms that reshaped the organization.
“As President of FAPRA, now APRA, my administration introduced transformative changes to rebrand the association. We established the first FAPRA office, led by the late Ben Eke, and launched the first and only All-Africa Public Relations Journal. We also initiated the annual Public Relations Conference, rotating it among African countries.
“During my tenure, FAPRA conferences were held in Abuja (1990), Kampala (1991), Abidjan (1992), and Dakar (1993), where we amended the FAPRA constitution to include both country and individual memberships— a structure that still benefits members today.
“In 1994, the conference was held in Accra, Ghana, where we met President Jerry Rawlings. The following year, we convened in Nairobi, Kenya. However, after Victor Narty was elected President in Harare, Zimbabwe, the association experienced a period of inactivity. Recognizing the need for effective leadership, we encouraged Kabir Dangogo to run for Secretary-General.
“Kabir won the election and exceeded all expectations in revitalizing FAPRA. His dedication and outstanding service helped steer the organization back on track, cementing his legacy as a pillar of the PR profession.”
Concluding his tribute, Okereke, a renowned PR Guru honored Dangogo’s memory: “We are grateful for Kabir Dangogo’s remarkable contributions to the Public Relations profession. He was a visionary, a leader, and a true professional. May his soul rest in peace. Good night, Kabir.”
By PRNigeria
