The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has unveiled the 2026 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LAPRIGA), with a renewed focus on recognising communication professionals and organisations whose work demonstrates innovation, originality, excellence and measurable influence.
The 2026 edition, scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, is themed “Redefining Innovation and Influence.” The theme reflects the changing communication landscape, where artificial intelligence, digital platforms, data analytics and evolving audience expectations are reshaping public relations, advertising, content creation, technology and brand management.
Speaking at a media briefing to unveil the event, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, fnipr, frpa, Chairman of the Lagos NIPR, said the boundaries between communication disciplines were becoming increasingly fluid, requiring professionals to continually rethink how they create value and influence.
According to him, innovation is no longer simply about producing something new but about finding intelligent and meaningful ways to solve problems, create value and deliver measurable impact.
Ayetutu said influence in today’s communication environment could no longer be measured only by media budgets or visibility in traditional media. Instead, it is increasingly earned through credibility, relevance, authenticity, engagement and the ability to shape conversations.
He noted that artificial intelligence, data analytics, social listening and automation were transforming how communication professionals research, create, distribute and measure content.
While technology has created unprecedented opportunities to reach audiences, he said it has also increased the importance of originality, authenticity and human insight, particularly at a time when artificial intelligence can generate content within seconds.
“The question is no longer simply, ‘Can we create content?’ The more important question is, ‘Can we create something original, authentic, insightful and consequential?’” he said.
Expanded categories to reflect modern communication
A major feature of LAPRIGA 2026 is the introduction of new and expanded categories designed to reflect the changing realities of contemporary public relations and communication practice.
The awards will recognise achievements in 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, Best Workplace Development PR Initiative, Community Relations Excellence, Sustainability PR and Communication, PR Educator (Tertiary) of the Year and PR Trainer (Professional Development) of the Year, among others.
Honorary recognitions will also include the Lagos PR Personality of the Year and Lifetime PR Contribution Award, celebrating individuals whose sustained contributions have advanced the profession.
Ayetutu commended the LAPRIGA 2026 Awards Selection Committee, led by Dr. Dare Ogunyombo, for reviewing and expanding the categories to make the awards more inclusive, credible and representative of modern communication practice.
Organisers promise stronger LAPRIGA
Mr. Tope Akande, Chairman of the LAPRIGA 2026 Planning and Fund-Raising Committee, said the committee was working to make the 2026 edition the best yet.
He said attention was being given to planning, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, guest experience and the overall delivery of the event.
Akande called on communication professionals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support and participate in the initiative, describing LAPRIGA as an important platform for celebrating the people and ideas shaping the future of communication.
Awards to focus on impact, not visibility alone
Dr. Dare Ogunyombo, Chairman of the LAPRIGA 2026 Awards Selection Committee, said the expanded categories would recognise excellence across the increasingly diverse communication ecosystem.
He explained that entries would be assessed based on strategy and objectives, creativity and innovation, execution and implementation, as well as impact and measurement.
The framework is also designed to recognise emerging areas including the use of technology and artificial intelligence in public relations, crisis management, sustainability communication, community relations, workplace communication, professional education and thought leadership.
Entries open August 31
Entries for LAPRIGA 2026 will open on Monday, August 31, 2026, and close on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The awards will consider PR and marketing communication campaigns, activities and programmes initiated and concluded between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.
The Lagos NIPR encouraged practitioners, agencies, corporate organisations, government institutions and other eligible stakeholders to use the opportunity to showcase outstanding work and contribute to higher professional standards in the communication industry.
More than an awards ceremony
Beyond recognising outstanding professionals and campaigns, LAPRIGA 2026 is expected to bring together public relations practitioners, advertising professionals, corporate communicators, journalists, government communication specialists, brand managers, digital communication experts, academics, business leaders and other stakeholders for an evening of networking and celebration.
Ayetutu said LAPRIGA goes beyond trophies and recognition, arguing that celebrating excellence can encourage more professionals to raise the standard of their work.
He urged stakeholders across the communication ecosystem to make the 2026 edition a collective celebration of professional excellence, innovation and influence.
The Lagos NIPR Chairman expressed confidence that LAPRIGA 2026 would set a new benchmark for the awards while reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leading hub for professional communication excellence.
