As the ocean breeze sweeps through the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, conversations at the 36th Annual Conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) have taken on a deeply reflective tone. This year’s event is more than a celebration of APRA’s 50th anniversary, it’s a reckoning with what it means to build a long, meaningful career in a profession that is constantly being reshaped by digital disruption, public scrutiny, and the shifting sands of reputation management.
At the heart of this introspection was a compelling session on “Sustaining the Pace: African Male Professionals and the Pursuit of Longevity in Public Relations.” It brought together a powerful mix of voices from across the continent and beyond, each with decades of experience navigating the challenges of leadership, reinvention, and relevance in the PR industry.
Victor Karamagi, a respected voice in East African communications; Ebrima A. Bah, known for shaping narratives in The Gambia; and Dr. Mbugua Njoroge, a veteran with deep roots in strategic communications, shared the stage with trailblazers like Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, former APRA President and a revered figure in African PR.
Also joining the session was Andras Sztaniszlav, President of the Hungarian Public Relations Society and CEO of the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), bringing a European perspective to the African dialogue.
Moderated by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, APRA’s Secretary General, the panel dug into the lived experiences of men who have not only weathered the storms of professional life but continue to lead with purpose.
“You cannot sustain a career in PR by just riding the wave,” said Dr. Neliaku, speaking with the quiet authority of someone who has mentored many and built institutions. “You have to find your purpose within the work. If not, the pace will wear you down.”
Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, affectionately known in the industry as YBO, reminded the audience that staying relevant in PR requires more than technical skill. “It’s about constantly evolving. What worked ten years ago won’t work today. But more importantly, you have to lift others as you climb.”
That theme of mentorship and continuity rang loudly throughout the session. For Ebrima A. Bah, the key to longevity lies in constantly learning and unlearning. “Public relations is no longer just about messaging, it’s about listening, adapting, and being brave enough to challenge old assumptions.”
Victor Karamagi added that balancing visibility with integrity has become one of the toughest parts of leadership in the digital age. “There’s pressure to be seen, to be loud, to trend—but the real work of PR is often silent and strategic. That’s where the value is.”
Offering a global outlook, Sztaniszlav encouraged African PR professionals to step confidently onto the world stage. “African stories matter. They’re rich, complex, and powerful. We must ensure African professionals are not only participants but also leaders in global communications.”
Dr. Mbugua Njoroge closed with a poignant reminder that career longevity isn’t just about professional achievement, but personal fulfillment. “Your career must nourish your spirit,” he said. “Otherwise, you’re just surviving.”
As the session wrapped, the applause that filled the hall wasn’t just for the words shared, it was for the weight behind them. In a profession that often demands speed and sensationalism, these men stood as a reminder of the power of staying grounded, being intentional, and building with legacy in mind.
The APRA@50 celebration is, at its core, a tribute to voices like these, voices that have endured, adapted, and continue to lead the conversation in shaping Africa’s communications future.
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