LAGOS NIPR EXPANDS LAPRIGA AWARD CATEGORIES

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has expanded the award categories for the 2026 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala Awards, LaPRIGA, as the institute seeks to recognise emerging areas of excellence in the communications industry.

The 2026 edition of the awards is scheduled to hold on December 11, 2026, under the theme, “Redefining Innovation and Influence.”

Speaking at a media briefing, the Chairman of the Lagos NIPR Chapter, Dr Samuel Ayetutu, said the theme reflected the rapid transformation of the communications industry, where public relations increasingly intersects with advertising, digital communication, content creation, technology and brand management.

Ayetutu said innovation in modern public relations was no longer simply about introducing something new but about using smarter and more meaningful approaches to solve problems, create value and deliver measurable results.

He also noted that influence was increasingly built through credibility, relevance, authenticity and engagement rather than traditional media visibility alone.

The Chairman of the LaPRIGA Selection Committee, Dr Dare Ogunyombo, disclosed that the 2026 edition would feature 15 regular award categories and two honorary recognitions.

He said some previous categories had been harmonised while new ones were introduced to make the awards more focused, precise and competitive.

Ogunyombo assured participants that the selection process would be guided by fairness, professional ethics, integrity and merit.

He added that the committee would pay particular attention to ensuring that award recipients met the required professional standards and were qualified members of the NIPR.

The expanded awards reflect the changing nature of public relations practice, particularly the growing importance of technology, digital communication, sustainability, data and strategic influence.

The organisers said the 2026 LaPRIGA would provide an opportunity to celebrate professionals and organisations that are contributing to the development of Nigeria’s public relations and wider communications industry.