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 organisers promising a stronger focus on innovation, originality, strategic thinking and measurable impact across Nigeria’s communication industry.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 11, 2026, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, and will be held under the theme, “Redefining Innovation and Influence.”
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Chairman of the Lagos NIPR, Dr Samuel Ayetutu, said the theme reflects the rapid transformation taking place across public relations, advertising, digital communication, content creation, technology and brand management.
Ayetutu said the changing communication landscape requires practitioners to move beyond conventional measures of visibility and embrace approaches that create genuine value and influence.
He said innovation is no longer simply about introducing something new, but about finding intelligent and meaningful ways to solve problems, create value and deliver measurable results.
The NIPR chairman also noted that the rise of artificial intelligence, data analytics, social listening and automation is reshaping how communication professionals research, develop, distribute and evaluate campaigns.
He stressed that while technology has expanded the ability of practitioners to reach audiences, it has also increased the importance of originality, authenticity and professional responsibility.
According to him, LaPRIGA 2026 will therefore recognise work based not merely on visibility or activity, but on creativity, strategic value and demonstrable impact.
The 2026 edition will feature new and expanded categories designed to reflect the changing nature of communication practice. These include 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, Community Relations Excellence, Sustainability PR and Communication, and PR Educator and Trainer of the Year.
Honorary awards will also include Lagos PR Personality of the Year and Lifetime PR Contribution Award.
Chairman of the LaPRIGA 2026 Awards Selection Committee, Dr Dare Ogunyombo, said the expanded categories were introduced to ensure that the awards reflect the breadth and diversity of contemporary communication practice.
He explained that entries would be assessed on strategy and objectives, creativity and innovation, execution and implementation, as well as impact and measurement.
The framework will also recognise emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and technology deployment in public relations, sustainability communication, crisis management, community relations, workplace communication, professional education and thought leadership.
Chairman of the LaPRIGA 2026 Planning and Fund-Raising Committee, Tope Akande, said the committee was working to deliver what he described as the best edition of the awards so far.
He called on communication professionals, businesses and other stakeholders to participate and support the initiative, describing LaPRIGA as an important platform for recognising individuals and organisations shaping the future of the industry.
Entries for the 2026 awards open on August 31 and close on September 30, 2026. Eligible entries must relate to public relations and marketing communication campaigns, activities or programmes initiated and concluded between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.
The Lagos NIPR said the awards are expected to bring together public relations practitioners, advertising professionals, corporate communicators, journalists, government communication specialists, brand managers, digital communication experts, academics and business leaders.
Ayetutu described LaPRIGA as more than an awards ceremony, saying recognition of professional excellence can encourage innovation and strengthen the communication industry.
He said the 2026 edition would provide an opportunity to celebrate practitioners whose work goes beyond generating publicity to changing perceptions, inspiring action, strengthening reputations and creating lasting influence.
The Lagos NIPR expressed confidence that LaPRIGA 2026 would establish a stronger benchmark for professional recognition while reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leading centre for communication excellence.