Nigeria, March 11 -- "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 a.m. on Friday, 7 March. For a moment, I was paralysed 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 (PR); he was an institution. His contributions to the profession are monumental, and his legacy will continue to i...