Former Nigeria’s Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made it clear that he is firmly in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as he continues to pursue a coalition of all political parties to kickout the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the center in the 2027 general elections. Reacting to what he called “unverified information” that he had abandoned the PDP, Atiku said that such rumour is a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic. Atiku said that he had persistently called for a coalition of opposition political parties in Nigeria “ahead of the 2027 general elections with the aim of ousting the incompetent and pain-inflicting All Progressives Congress, in order to give Nigerians a new lease of life.” He said that his advocacy for a robust coalition is aimed at bringing into one fold all opposition parties including the PDP. “Hence, it is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping PDP ship. Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country. “We, therefore, wish to state unequivocally that Atiku remains a principal bonafide member of the PDP, the main opposition party. “Any insinuation to the contrary is contrived to confuse Nigerians about the magnitude of the grand coalition that is at work to rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.
“My father died a while ago! Janaza will be at Sultan Bello Mosque Kaduna after Jumuat prayer Insha Allah”….This was the sombre message that greeted me on my phone from Sadiq Kabir Dangogo, son of the legendary Mallam Kabir Dangogo, as I awoke for the Ramadan Sahur at 4:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025. For a moment, I was paralyzed by disbelief. I pinched myself to ensure it wasn’t a nightmare and sought further confirmation. The reality soon sank in: the man who had inspired countless African public relations professionals was no more. Mallam Kabir Dangogo was not just a name in the field of public relations; he was an institution. His contributions to the profession were monumental, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of PR practitioners. My first encounter with Mallam Dangogo was through his writings during my early years in PR. However, it was an unforgettable honor to share a podium with him when we were both recognized as PR Personalities of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kano/Jigawa Chapter exactly 30 years ago. The event, held on August 5, 1995, at Daula Hotel in Kano, was graced by dignitaries such as the NIPR President, Alhaji Sabo Muhammad; former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ali Saad Birnin Kudu; and my boss Alhaji Abu Gidado, then Minister of State for Finance, who was the Special Guest of Honour. That moment marked the beginning of a mentorship and professional relationship that profoundly shaped my career. Mallam Dangogo’s towering presence in strategic communication opened doors to numerous opportunities and networks. His establishment of Timex Communications and Training School after his retirement further cemented his commitment to nurturing the next generation of PR professionals. As a revered authority in financial public relations and reputation management, Mallam Dangogo’s expertise transcended borders. On February 21, 2019, we had the privilege of hosting him at the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja for a mentorship session with our interns, mostly Mass Communication students. Unbeknownst to him, we had orchestrated a surprise 70th birthday celebration in his honor. At exactly 4:00 PM, as I led him into our conference room, the staff and interns erupted into a melodious rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The look of surprise on his face was priceless. The celebration deepened as calls began pouring in from top PR practitioners across the continent. The first was from the President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, followed by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Mukhtar Sirajo, and many others, all extending heartfelt wishes. A Short Tribute to Mr. Kabir Dangogo by Asare Okae-Anti A Legacy of Integrity: Remembering a Forthright Mentor, Mallam Kabir Dangogo by Nkechi Alli-Balogun In his remarks that day, Mallam Dangogo admitted that he had long forgotten his birthday, which he rarely commemorated. With a sense of nostalgia, he reflected on the golden days of public relations, when decorum, ethics, and professionalism were the guiding principles of the profession. He lamented the current state of PR in Nigeria, emphasizing that the profession was not merely about crafting grammatically impeccable press releases or delivering eloquent speeches at press conferences. He urged young practitioners to be hardworking, diligent, and steadfast in upholding the ethics of the profession.
Born on February 21, 1949, Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a scholar and a trailblazer. He earned academic degrees from Ohio University, Athens, in the United States in 1981, and the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom in 1987. Mallam Dangogo’s illustrious career began in journalism, where he worked at the New Nigerian newspaper and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He actually served as the Managing Editor of New Nigerian newspaper between 1988 and 1989, a Senior Lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic in the late 1980s, and the Press Adviser for the United States Information Service in 1990. He later transitioned into public relations, serving as a Public Relations Officer at the Bank of the North Limited and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. He was the founding President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB). He served as Secretary-General of the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA later known as APRA) while also being the Chairman of the Nigeria Chapter of the International Public Relations Associations (IPRA) between 2002 and 2006, bringing pride to Nigeria on the continental and global stage. After 32 years of distinguished service in various corporate organizations, Mallam Dangogo voluntarily retired from Union Bank on June 26, 2005, as the Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Corporate Affairs. He then established Timex Communications, a PR firm and communication training school that hosted global events in Nigeria. His contributions to the profession were recognized globally. In 1981, he was elected a Fellow of the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) in New York. He became a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in 2000 and received the NIPR President’s Award for Excellence in Public Relations in 1996. He was also a Fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and received the Lagos State Chapter of the NIPR Award for Excellence in Public Relations in 2005. Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a multi-award-winning PR practitioner whose decades of distinguished practice left an indelible mark on the communications landscape and the banking industry. His remarkable journey is a testament to his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As we bid farewell to this doyen of public relations in Africa, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure. May his soul rest in peace.
Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “A Dozen Tips for Media Relations” and “Introduction to Financial Public Relations in Nigeria.” yashuaib@yashuaib.com
Immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari recently relocated to his known residence on Sultan Lane, GRA, Kaduna. This came almost two years after he exited the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on May 29, 2023. He had been in his country home in Daura, Katsina State until his movement to his old house in Kaduna. Credible sources said his relocation to Daura was actually a stop gap measure after leaving office pending the completion of his Kaduna house. It was learnt that the house was demolished and thereafter rebuilt by one of the leading construction companies in Nigeria. When our correspondent visited the location of the house, there were heavily armed security operatives, making it difficult to go much close to the building. He, however, managed to get a picture of the area, even as the newly built house could be seen from the distance. The Kaduna house is where Buhari was known to reside prior to his swearing in as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015. The house used to be a modest edifice said to have been built when he was serving as a senior officer in the army and years before he became head of state in 1983. During those years, visitors to the house were often surprised at the modesty of the entire building, which stood on a vast compound, compared to what other former heads of state have as abodes. The duplex stood in front of a lawn, which took most of the space on the plot accommodating the house. For the eight years that Buhari held sway as president, sources said not much was done to upgrade the house as he spent his vacation mostly in his home town of Daura. Careful about his modest lifestyle, the former president has always insisted that he did not use his office either as military head of state or president to enrich himself. Close to the end of his second tenure in 2023, Buhari surprised many when he gave notice that on leaving office, he would be returning to Daura instead of Kaduna to stay away as far as possible from the seat of power in Abuja. When he handed over to President Bola Tinubu, Buhari retired straight to Daura, where he lived for close to two years. In an interview on NTA’s ‘Conversations With History’ aired in November 2023, Buhari had said: “People charter buses and come to see me from time to time. I thought I had stayed as far away from Abuja as possible, but they still come. I would have gone to Niger if the borders were opened.” And at a recent event organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina, Buhari emphasised that he had just three houses, two in Kaduna; one, which he was occupying before he became president, and another, which he said he had put up for rent. The third one is his country home in Daura. Sources said it was while he was in Daura that the Kaduna house was “reconstructed completely,” befitting his status as a former military head of state and later, president. In a surprising twist to his earlier promise, Buhari relocated to Kaduna to a well redesigned and reconstructed edifice. The surprise for many is the ease with which the edifice came out, given the acclaimed frugal nature of the former president and his preference for a near Spartan lifestyle. Our correspondent, who visited the area, observed that the narrow street where the former president’s residence is located was largely deserted, with only a few vehicles parked in front of neighbouring houses. Soldiers and policemen were seen stationed at the entrance gate, along with plain clothes security personnel believed to be undercover operatives maintaining vigilance. It was also gathered that the first house on the left of the street belongs to the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua and was guarded by soldiers. Other notable figures residing in the area include a former minister of environment, Mahmoud Abubakar and a former Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. There are indications, however, that the former president may have taken advantage of one of his privileges as a former president to have the house redesigned. As a former president, Buhari is entitled to remunerations and other packages as recommended by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). They include free medical treatment for himself and members of his immediate family; 30 days of annual vacation within and outside Nigeria; a well-furnished and equipped office in any location of his choice; a well-furnished five-bedroom house to be provided in any location of his choice, all at the expense of the federal government. It is believed that it is the last benefit the former president may have taken advantage of to work on and expand his Sultan Lane residence, which now wears a new look. It is obvious, even from the outside, that there are more buildings now in the compound, unlike in the past where lawns took up vast spaces on the plot. The glistening creamy colour it now wears also stands it out from other property within the vicinity. Credible sources told one of our correspondents that indeed, it is the federal government that reconstructed the house. Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the Presidency on the development were not successful as Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, declined comment on the development. However, a source within the Presidency told Weekend Trust that issues concerning the welfare of the past presidents were domiciled in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The source said: “I think issues that have to do with the welfare and emoluments of former presidents and their vice are domiciled in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. “To my knowledge, I do not think that you would get what you want in the Presidency here. It is better if you check at the SGF’s office.” Also, efforts to get comments from officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) were not successful as those contacted said they did not have any information on the matter. However, top officials in other sectors of the government said it was the Presidential Villa that could answer such question, especially if that was captured in the severance package of former President Buhari or was based on request from the later. In the 2023 budget, the federal government earmarked a total of N13.8 billion for the upkeep of former presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, chiefs of general staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, as well as retired heads of government agencies and parastatals for the 2024 fiscal year. The provisions for former presidents/heads of states and vice presidents/chiefs of general staff under the budget stood at a cost of N2.3 billion. Since his early military days, Buhari was known to have lived in Kaduna, and his recent move is seen as a home coming of sorts. A resident who refused to disclose his identity said the house was given a total overhaul. Sources said Buhari performed his Juma’at prayer penultimate week at the Yahaya Road Juma’at Mosque, GRA, Kaduna amidst tight security. He was seen at the mosque near his residence a few minutes before 1pm last Friday, escorted by security personnel. It can be recalled that on February 27, the former president was accompanied to his Kaduna residence by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other high-profile dignitaries, including the Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, current and former deputy governors of Katsina State, a former Inspector-General of Police, former ministers and several personal aides. Source: Weekend Trust.
Embattled Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, has dismissed her suspension from the Senate for six months. Reacting to the suspension which was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Public Petitions and Privileges, Natasha thundered: “this Injustice will not sustain.” She was refused to make any comments after the committee’s report was submitted for consideration at today’s plenary. The committee’s seven points recommendation are as follows: 1. Suspension for 6 months 2. She must write a written apology before she resumes 3. She should be suspended from 6th March, 2025. 4. Her office should be locked for the duration of six months, and handover property 5. She must not come close to the National Assembly complex 6. Her salaries, allowances and security details should be suspended 7. She must be barred from presenting herself as a Senator for local and international media.
The Senate Committee on Ethic and Privileges recommended that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended for six months amid her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha, who is representing Kogi Central, must apologise to the Senate for “disrespecting the Senate.” The committee further recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn for the period of the suspension.
The recommendation of the Committee came today, March 6, shortly after Senator Natasha resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President during plenary. This time, she submitted the petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu. Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio inquired whether there were any legal impediments to accepting the petition. Senator Natasha responded that there were none. At 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate. The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after legislative review. This development follows a similar petition submitted by Senator Natasha the previous day, which sparked controversy. The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40. He argued that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee, as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President. Monguno also contended that the petition could not be considered since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it. As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.” This latest petition adds to the ongoing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has landed in Milan, Italy, in search for foreign investors to grow the Nigerian Capital city. A statement from Milan, Italy by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said that the minister would hold a series of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana and other investors. Wike, who arrived in Milan yesterday day was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed. “while in Milan, the FCT Minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.” Lombardy is adjudged the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “The FCT Minister’s meeting with Attilio Fontana will center on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region. “Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities. “The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip.”
It is not a coincidence, in the sight of God, that Muslims and Christians started fasting at almost the same time this year, 2025. While Muslims began the 29 or 30-day (Ramadan Fasting) on March 1, Christians started their own today, March 5. The liturgical year is the Church calendar that is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and several other denominations. Today, which is Ash Wednesday, worshippers receive a cross-shaped mark on their foreheads made from ashes. These ashes are obtained by burning palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. It is marked by the use of palm fronds, which worshippers wave during processions or fashion into crosses to take home. This tradition commemorates Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when his followers laid palm branches before him, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Lenten season is a solemn period characterised by fasting, prayers, penance and almsgiving. Lent is a 40-day journey of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, echoing the time Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness. The 40-day duration mirrors the fasting periods of Jesus Christ before his public ministry, as well as those of prophets Elijah and Moses, who each fasted for 40 days at different times. The Lenten season culminates in Easter, which falls on April 20 this year, the Sunday after Palm Sunday. The mode of the Fasting between Muslims, as can be seen and as it’s clarified in the Holy Books are different but the thread that runs through them is the same: self-denial, self-discipline, fear of the Creator, spread of love, charity and compassion amongst others. As a matter of fact, God sent different prophets as Messiahs to their people all in order to straighten good conduct of the people in His ways. One of such conducts is embedded in the Ramadan fasting and Lent: Service to humanity and the Creator Himself. There are a lot of lessons which humanity in general and Nigerians in particular need to learn, especially from the prophets of the great two religions, and by extension, the coinciding of the two Holy religious observations. Of course, religious scholars are in a better position to detail the significance of the religions as institutions towards communing with God, the benefits they are to the adherents and above all, the joy in the adherents forming a united front to create enabling environment to practice them, but it must be stressed from the beginning that the “clash” of the Fasting in the two religions deserves a special attention. In fact, it should not be lost on discernible observers and analysts that the coincidence of Muslim Ramadan fasting and Christian Lent presents a unique opportunity for interfaith unity in Nigeria, a country with a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and religious traditions. It is clear that both Ramadan and Lent emphasize themes of sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. This shared focus provides a common ground for dialogue and mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians, allowing adherents of both faiths to appreciate each other’s practices. In both traditions, fasting involves empathizing with the less fortunate and developing a greater appreciation for blessings. This should naturally leads to collaborative efforts in community service, charity and social justice initiatives, where both Muslims and Christians work together to address poverty and other social issues. The overlap of Ramadan and Lent should encourage interfaith discussions and events, and this is a viable time for places of worship to host interfaith gatherings to promote dialogue about the significance of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth in both religions. Opportunities for communal eating to break the fast, known in Islam as iftar and shared Lenten meals should be platforms for fostering local community ties, aimed to creating a spirit of unity and cooperation among different religious groups. Indeed, interfaith engagements during these periods should help mitigate misunderstandings and tensions that sometimes arise in multi-religious societies. By highlighting similarities, communities should be able to focus on shared human values rather than differences. Schools and educational institutions may seize the opportunity offered to incorporate discussions about Ramadan and Lent into their curricula, to encourage students to learn about and respect different faith traditions. The overlap of the two great religious observations should be tailored to lead to cultural exchanges, where both communities share their unique practices, foods and traditions during these periods, enriching each other’s experiences. It is also a good time for interfaith bodies to engage in activities during these significant periods for the purpose of providing spiritual enrichment for individuals, as they gain insights and perspectives from another faith tradition. In Nigeria, interfaith dialogue during this overlapping religious period should contribute significantly to peace building and reconciliation efforts; this is in a nation that has, at one time or the other, been grappling with religious and ethnic tensions.
Yusuf Ozi-Usman
Yusuf Ozi-Usman, nipr, is Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police Command is now looking for a lady who left the hotel room in which the former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Parradang was found dead yesterday, March 4. In a statement debunking news in the media that the former immigration boss was kidnapped and killed by his abductors, the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, said: “in light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.” The statement narrated how on March 3, at about 12:00 noon, Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. “He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay. “Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00Pm of the same day. “Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 Am of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel. “Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair. “The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene. “The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations. “Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.” The police called on members of the the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic. “The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death. “We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is served.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commended the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni for his commitment to transparency, accountability and due process inu governance. The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC for Borno and Yobe States, Linus Gubbi, was particularly impressed by the method of awarding contracts, which he said were being done with transparency and accountability. The anti corruption Commission representative, in a courtesy visit to the governor, noted the clean manner in which the State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) is being handled. He is also happy with the implementation of the World Bank initiative as well as the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria. “We are on a preventive and public enlightenment drive, and I must commend your administration for its efforts in accountability and transparency, which have become a model for others to follow.” Gubbi advised the governor to establish anti-corruption and transparency units in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to further strengthen the fight against corruption in the state. This was as Governor Buni acknowledged that strong and independent institutions are crucial in addressing corruption, misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds. “The establishment of the state Bureau on Public Procurement has successfully curbed over-invoicing in procurement and contract awards while promoting transparency and accountability. Its independence from government interference has strengthened its effectiveness.” The governor said that the state House of Assembly’s oversight functions and prudent resource management had enabled the execution of people-centered projects across Yobe. He directed MDAs to collaborate with the ICPC on training finance officers to block financial leakages and uphold accountability in their operations. The governor appreciated the ICPC’s recognition, assuring that his administration would continue to promoting transparency and fighting corruption.
There is what looks like a thin line between sexual harassment and flirting. More difficult is for the victim to prove the case of harassment in the court of law. For example, flirtatious advances people make may or may not amount to sexual harassment, depending on which side of the divides it comes from. If you call a girl “my love” and she says “stop it” and you repeat the same thing, it can and would pass for sexual harassment. But if a woman comes to kiss you from nowhere and you don’t complain about it, it would not be termed sexual harassment, even though the action of the second is worse than that of the first. As simple as asking a girl out repeatedly after getting a NO answer is sexual harassment. If she presses charges against you, it could stick, but the onus is on her to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you utter such sensual words. Again, if you tap a woman’s buttocks and she says “do it again baby,” it would not pass as sexual harassment, even though she had no prior knowledge of you carrying out such act. Again it may not be considered as sexual harassment if you hold the hand of a woman without resistance or complain from her. This could be the thin line that differentiates flirting from sexual Harassment, and it is called CONSENT. When a woman doesn’t give consent to your verbal and physical attempt (in a clear unambiguous manner), just know that you are treading on sexual Harassment path. However, it must be noted that sexual Harassment is not a one way traffic: women can also commit it in which men is the victim. But it’s the sexual Harassment against women that is more pronounced and even celebrated.
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The Lenten season is a solemn period characterised by fasting, prayers, penance and almsgiving.
Kabir Dangogo: Demise Of Doyen Of Public Relations In Africa, By Yushau A. Shuiab
“My father died a while ago! Janaza will be at Sultan Bello Mosque Kaduna after Jumuat prayer Insha Allah”….This was the sombre message that greeted me on my phone from Sadiq Kabir Dangogo, son of the legendary Mallam Kabir Dangogo, as I awoke for the Ramadan Sahur at 4:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025. For a moment, I was paralyzed by disbelief. I pinched myself to ensure it wasn’t a nightmare and sought further confirmation. The reality soon sank in: the man who had inspired countless African public relations professionals was no more.
Mallam Kabir Dangogo was not just a name in the field of public relations; he was an institution. His contributions to the profession were monumental, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of PR practitioners.
My first encounter with Mallam Dangogo was through his writings during my early years in PR. However, it was an unforgettable honor to share a podium with him when we were both recognized as PR Personalities of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kano/Jigawa Chapter exactly 30 years ago. The event, held on August 5, 1995, at Daula Hotel in Kano, was graced by dignitaries such as the NIPR President, Alhaji Sabo Muhammad; former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ali Saad Birnin Kudu; and my boss Alhaji Abu Gidado, then Minister of State for Finance, who was the Special Guest of Honour.
That moment marked the beginning of a mentorship and professional relationship that profoundly shaped my career. Mallam Dangogo’s towering presence in strategic communication opened doors to numerous opportunities and networks. His establishment of Timex Communications and Training School after his retirement further cemented his commitment to nurturing the next generation of PR professionals.
As a revered authority in financial public relations and reputation management, Mallam Dangogo’s expertise transcended borders. On February 21, 2019, we had the privilege of hosting him at the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja for a mentorship session with our interns, mostly Mass Communication students. Unbeknownst to him, we had orchestrated a surprise 70th birthday celebration in his honor.
At exactly 4:00 PM, as I led him into our conference room, the staff and interns erupted into a melodious rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The look of surprise on his face was priceless. The celebration deepened as calls began pouring in from top PR practitioners across the continent. The first was from the President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, followed by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Mukhtar Sirajo, and many others, all extending heartfelt wishes.
A Short Tribute to Mr. Kabir Dangogo by Asare Okae-Anti
A Legacy of Integrity:
Remembering a Forthright Mentor, Mallam Kabir Dangogo by Nkechi Alli-Balogun
In his remarks that day, Mallam Dangogo admitted that he had long forgotten his birthday, which he rarely commemorated. With a sense of nostalgia, he reflected on the golden days of public relations, when decorum, ethics, and professionalism were the guiding principles of the profession. He lamented the current state of PR in Nigeria, emphasizing that the profession was not merely about crafting grammatically impeccable press releases or delivering eloquent speeches at press conferences. He urged young practitioners to be hardworking, diligent, and steadfast in upholding the ethics of the profession.
Born on February 21, 1949, Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a scholar and a trailblazer. He earned academic degrees from Ohio University, Athens, in the United States in 1981, and the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom in 1987. Mallam Dangogo’s illustrious career began in journalism, where he worked at the New Nigerian newspaper and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He actually served as the Managing Editor of New Nigerian newspaper between 1988 and 1989, a Senior Lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic in the late 1980s, and the Press Adviser for the United States Information Service in 1990.
He later transitioned into public relations, serving as a Public Relations Officer at the Bank of the North Limited and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. He was the founding President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB). He served as Secretary-General of the Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA later known as APRA) while also being the Chairman of the Nigeria Chapter of the International Public Relations Associations (IPRA) between 2002 and 2006, bringing pride to Nigeria on the continental and global stage.
After 32 years of distinguished service in various corporate organizations, Mallam Dangogo voluntarily retired from Union Bank on June 26, 2005, as the Assistant General Manager (AGM) of Corporate Affairs. He then established Timex Communications, a PR firm and communication training school that hosted global events in Nigeria.
His contributions to the profession were recognized globally. In 1981, he was elected a Fellow of the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) in New York. He became a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in 2000 and received the NIPR President’s Award for Excellence in Public Relations in 1996. He was also a Fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and received the Lagos State Chapter of the NIPR Award for Excellence in Public Relations in 2005.
Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a multi-award-winning PR practitioner whose decades of distinguished practice left an indelible mark on the communications landscape and the banking industry. His remarkable journey is a testament to his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As we bid farewell to this doyen of public relations in Africa, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure. May his soul rest in peace.
Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “A Dozen Tips for Media Relations” and “Introduction to Financial Public Relations in Nigeria.” yashuaib@yashuaib.com