Lagos NIPR expands LAPRIGA awards with new categories
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The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has expanded the categories for the 2026 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala Awards, LAPRIGA, as the professional body seeks to recognise emerging areas of the communications industry.
The 2026 edition of the awards is scheduled to hold on December 11, 2026, under the theme, “Redefining Innovation and Influence.”
The organisers said the theme reflects the rapid changes taking place across the communications landscape, where traditional public relations now intersects with digital communications, advertising, content creation, technology, reputation management and brand strategy.
Speaking at a media briefing, the Chairman of the Lagos NIPR Chapter, Dr Samuel Ayetutu, said the changes in the industry had made it necessary for LAPRIGA to evolve alongside practitioners and the wider communications ecosystem.
According to him, the awards are designed to celebrate professionals and organisations that are making meaningful contributions to the development of communication practice.
15 regular categories, two honorary awards
The Chairman of the LAPRIGA Selection Committee, Dr Dare Ogunyombo, disclosed that the 2026 edition would feature 15 regular award categories alongside two honorary recognitions.
He explained that the committee reviewed the previous categories, harmonised some of them and introduced new ones to make the awards more relevant to current industry realities.
Ogunyombo said the changes were intended to recognise excellence across areas including strategic communication, digital communication, content creation, reputation management, public affairs, crisis communication, corporate communication and community engagement.
He added that the selection process would be guided by professionalism, fairness and merit.
The committee also emphasised that nominees must meet the required professional standards, including membership eligibility where applicable.
Awards reflect changing communications landscape
The expansion of the award categories comes against the backdrop of significant changes in the public relations industry.
The rise of social media, artificial intelligence, influencer communications and digital content has increasingly blurred the boundaries between public relations, advertising, journalism and marketing.
The organisers said LAPRIGA would therefore continue to recognise practitioners working across these emerging areas rather than limiting recognition to conventional public relations activities.
Existing areas of recognition have included corporate communication, crisis and issues management, entertainment public relations, technology, public-sector communication, media excellence, sustainability communication, community relations and internal communications.
Selection committee promises transparent process
Ogunyombo said the selection committee was committed to ensuring that the awards maintained credibility and professional integrity.
He noted that the panel would operate independently and apply objective criteria in assessing entries.
The committee also stressed the importance of ensuring that award recipients are suitably qualified and meet the professional requirements established by the institute.
The organisers said the approach was intended to strengthen confidence in LAPRIGA and ensure that winning an award represents a genuine recognition of excellence.
Former NIPR chairman backs initiative
A former Chairman of the Lagos NIPR Chapter, Mrs Comfort Nwankwo, also commended the organisers for positioning the awards to reflect the changing realities of the communications profession.
She noted that the communications industry was becoming increasingly competitive and complex, making innovation and influence important considerations for practitioners and organisations.
The 2026 LAPRIGA is expected to bring together public relations professionals, corporate organisations, government institutions, media practitioners, communication experts and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s broader communications ecosystem.
With the introduction of new categories, the Lagos NIPR chapter is positioning this year’s awards as a broader platform for celebrating excellence across both established and emerging areas of communication practice.
