Industry Leaders Gear Up for LaPRIGA 2026 as Lagos NIPR Unveils Expanded Categories and Emphasis on Impact
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has officially announced the 2026 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LAPRIGA), scheduled for Friday, 11 December 2026, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. This year’s event reaffirms its commitment to celebrating innovation, creativity, excellence, and measurable impact across the dynamic landscape of communication.
Under the theme “Redefining Innovation and Influence,” the 2026 edition marks a pivotal chapter in the evolution of industry awards, reflecting the rapid changes sweeping through public relations, advertising, digital media, content creation, technology, and brand management.
During a media briefing to unveil the event details, Lagos NIPR Chairman Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, fnipr, frpa, emphasised the significance of the theme amidst the profound shifts transforming communication practice. “Innovation is no longer simply about doing something new. It is about doing something differently, intelligently and meaningfully, in ways that solve problems, create value and deliver measurable impact,” he stated.
He further explained that influence today is defined less by media spend and visibility, and more by credibility, relevance, authenticity, engagement, and the capacity to shape conversations. “Artificial intelligence, data analytics, social listening, automation and other emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming how practitioners research, create, distribute and measure communication,” he added. “Technology has given practitioners unprecedented opportunities to reach and engage audiences, but it has also created new responsibilities. Originality, authenticity and insight have become even more valuable in an era where artificial intelligence can generate content within seconds.”
Dr. Ayetutu highlighted that LaPRIGA 2026 will celebrate not just activity or visibility but creativity, value and impact. “The question is no longer simply, ‘Can we create content?’ The more important question is, ‘Can we create something original, authentic, insightful and consequential?’”
Expanded Categories Reflecting Contemporary Practice
A key highlight of this year’s awards is the introduction of new and expanded categories, designed to mirror the breadth and depth of modern communication. Recognitions will span areas including PR Agency of the Year, Public Service PR Campaign of the Year, Brand PR Campaign of the Year, PR Excellence in Issues and Crisis Management, Best Innovative Technology Deployment in PR, Most Influential PR Professional of the Year, and more. Notably, new awards for sustainability, community relations, and professional education have been added to reflect evolving industry priorities.
Honourary awards such as Lagos PR Personality of the Year and Lifetime PR Contribution will also be presented, celebrating individuals whose sustained contributions have propelled the profession forward.
Dr. Ayetutu commended the Awards Selection Committee, led by Dr. Dare Ogunyombo, for its efforts in broadening categories to ensure inclusivity, credibility, and representation of the diverse facets of contemporary communication.
Preparation for an Unforgettable Event
Mr. Tope Akande, Chairman of the LAPRIGA 2026 Planning and Fund-Raising Committee, assured stakeholders that meticulous planning is underway to deliver an outstanding experience. “We are committed to making LaPRIGA 2026 the best edition yet, with focus on stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and creating a memorable event that celebrates excellence across the industry,” he said.
He called on practitioners, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders to participate actively, noting that the awards serve as a vital platform to showcase innovative work and advance professional standards.
Judging Criteria Emphasise Strategy, Creativity, and Impact
Chairman of the Awards Selection Committee, Dr. Dare Ogunyombo, explained that the process will focus heavily on strategic thinking, creativity, execution, and measurable impact. “Entries will be assessed across key areas including Strategy and Objectives, Creativity and Innovation, Execution and Implementation, and Impact and Measurement,” he stated. This approach aims to recognise not just visibility but professional excellence and tangible results. Emerging areas such as AI deployment in PR, crisis management, sustainability communication, and community engagement will also be prioritised.
Call for Entries Opens August 31
Organisers announced that submissions will open on Monday, 31 August 2026, and close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Eligible entries will include campaigns and programmes executed between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026. The Lagos NIPR encourages practitioners, agencies, corporate entities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to seize this opportunity to showcase pioneering work and elevate industry standards.
Celebrating the Industry
Beyond the awards, LaPRIGA 2026 promises an evening of glamour, networking, and industry celebration, bringing together leading PR professionals, brand managers, digital experts, journalists, academics, and business leaders.
Dr. Ayetutu encapsulated the spirit of the event: “Recognition matters. When we recognise excellence, we encourage excellence. When we celebrate innovation, we inspire others to innovate. And when we honour practitioners who create genuine value for their organisations, clients and society, we strengthen the entire profession.”
He urged all stakeholders to unite in making LaPRIGA 2026 a collective celebration that redefines what it means to innovate and influence in the modern communication landscape.
As Lagos NIPR looks ahead, there is confidence that this edition will set new standards for industry recognition and reaffirm Lagos as a hub of professional communication excellence.
