NIPR and APRA Mourn the Passing of Mallam Kabir Dangogo, a Pioneer and Icon in African Public Relations
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mallam Kabir Dangogo, a distinguished Fellow of both organizations and a trailblazer in the fields of public relations and corporate communications across Africa. Dangogo, who served as Secretary General of APRA from 2002 to 2006, was celebrated for his visionary leadership, dedication to ethical practice, and transformative contributions to the profession.
In a condolence letter signed by Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the NIPR Governing Council, the institute described Dangogo’s death as a “great loss” to the public relations and banking sectors in Nigeria and beyond. The letter highlighted his “indelible footprints” in both industries, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations. “While we feel the vacuum created by his exit, we are consoled by his remarkable achievements and the lasting impact he made,” the statement read.
Similarly, APRA, in a heartfelt message signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, paid tribute to Dangogo’s pivotal role in shaping the association’s trajectory. As Secretary General, Dangogo was instrumental in designing and implementing reforms that facilitated the transition from the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA) to APRA, ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving continent. “Without the vision, dedication, and sacrifices of leaders like Dangogo, there would be no vibrant APRA as we have it today,” the statement noted.
Dangogo’s career spanned journalism, banking, and public relations. He began his professional journey as a journalist with the *New Nigerian* newspaper and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before transitioning into public relations. He held various leadership roles at the Bank of the North and Union Bank, where he retired as Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Corporate Affairs in 2005. He was also a founding member and first president of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), further cementing his influence on corporate communications in Nigeria.
A highly educated professional, Dangogo studied at Ohio University in the United States and the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, where he deepened his expertise in communication, public relations, and advertising. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was revered as a mentor and advocate for ethical practice in public relations. His meticulous nature and insistence on due process, though sometimes perceived as unyielding, were credited with establishing APRA’s structure, credibility, and significance.
As the African public relations community prepares to gather in Mombasa in June 2025 for APRA’s 50th Anniversary and 36th Annual Conference, Dangogo’s contributions will be remembered as foundational to the association’s success. “His passing leaves a deep void, yet his legacy will forever guide and inspire those who follow in his footsteps,” APRA’s statement concluded.
Both NIPR and APRA extended their condolences to Dangogo’s family, praying for comfort during this difficult time. “May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the messages concluded, as the public relations community across Africa mourns the loss of a true pioneer and visionary
