APRA Honours Distinguished Practitioners at 50th Anniversary Conference in Mombasa
In a historic celebration of its 50th anniversary, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) has honoured a select group of distinguished practitioners for their outstanding contributions to public relations and communication across Africa.
PRNigeria reports that the milestone conference, themed “Transforming Africa through Safe and Responsible Digital Communication,” is being held in Mombasa, Kenya, and has attracted professionals, policymakers, and media leaders from across the continent. Running from June 8 to 13, the event features panel discussions, capacity-building workshops, and strategy sessions focused on ethical communication, digital transformation, and socio-economic development in Africa.
At the opening ceremony, high-ranking officials—including Hon. William Kabogo Gitau of Kenya, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa of Zambia, and representatives of the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments—presented awards to 14 eminent individuals in recognition of their exceptional service to APRA and the African PR industry at large.
Among the honourees was Nigeria’s Mike Okereke, celebrated as a Lifelong Champion for his steadfast devotion to APRA’s revival and growth. Joseph Allotey Pappoe of Ghana, honoured posthumously as a Visionary Leader, was remembered for reigniting APRA and steering its continental resurgence. South Africa’s Robyn de Villers received the Thought Leadership Architect award for elevating the quality and global profile of APRA symposiums, while the late Kabir Dangogo of Nigeria was posthumously recognised as a Strategic Force for his unwavering commitment to rebuilding the association.
Also honoured was Prof. Wole Ademolekun of Nigeria, recognised as an Architect of Transition for his role in reshaping APRA and strengthening its foundational structure. Uganda’s Henry Rugamba received the title of Anchor of Continuity for guiding APRA through a transformative period, and Margaret Maranga of Kenya was named Unsung Hero for her quiet yet impactful contributions to APRA’s success.
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From Kenya, Dr. Robi Njoroge Mbugua was honoured as Champion of Institutional Growth for his visionary leadership and support to PRSK, while David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, was awarded Strategic Partner in Progress for his sustained collaboration and commitment to advancing PR practice in the country. Nigerian communications leader Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya was recognised as a Pillar of Transformation for his unparalleled leadership and enduring legacy within APRA.
Other awardees included Esther Wausi Walya, celebrated as Mentor and Advocate for her dedicated service to PRSK’s mission; Peter Mutie, acknowledged as Visionary Steward for his exemplary leadership in advancing APRA’s continental influence; and Leah Eshitemi, who received the Heart of the Secretariat award for her unwavering commitment and behind-the-scenes contributions to PRSK’s operations.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Nigerian government, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended APRA for promoting authentic African narratives and professionalising public relations practice across the continent. Represented by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the minister praised APRA’s five-decade journey as pivotal in projecting Africa’s aspirations with dignity.
He urged practitioners to “take ownership of Africa’s story—a story of hope, unity, and progress—and use digital tools to counter harmful stereotypes.”
Similarly, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, called for a renewed commitment to innovation and ethical standards in the evolving digital landscape of public relations. “The future of PR will be defined by innovation and integrity,” he said, encouraging African stakeholders to drive social change and tell the continent’s story with pride, resilience, and purpose.
In his remarks, Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo also urged African governments to statutorily recognise public relations as a profession, noting that PR professionals play a vital—yet often overlooked—role in shaping narratives and public perception across the continent.
Other speakers at the event included APRA President Arik Karani, Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa, and Jan Eissfeldt, Global Head of Trust and Safety at the Wikimedia Foundation.
Founded in 1975, APRA is Africa’s premier professional body for public relations practitioners. The 50th Anniversary Conference in Mombasa affirms the association’s continued commitment to ethical communication, digital advancement, and strategic storytelling for Africa’s future.
By PRNigeria
