The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has officially announced the commencement of preparations for the 11th edition of the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala Awards (LAPRIGA).
At a press conference held on Thursday at the Lagos NIPR Secretariat, the executive council, alongside key committee leads, unveiled the theme for the 2026 edition: “Redefining Innovation & Influence.” The flagship gala event is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 11, 2026, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Delivering the key address, the Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, noted that LAPRIGA 2026 arrives at a critical juncture when traditional boundaries between public relations, digital communication, technology, and brand strategy are rapidly dissolving.
He highlighted the necessity for communication professionals to adapt to a landscape reshaped by artificial intelligence, automated media, and shifting audience behavior.
”For us at Lagos NIPR, 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,” Dr. Ayetutu stated.
Continuing, he disclosedthat; “Influence, in today’s communication environment, is no longer determined merely by the size of an organisation’s media budget. Influence is increasingly earned through credibility, relevance, authenticity, engagement, and the ability to shape conversations.”
Addressing the rigors of the entry and evaluation process, the Chairman of the Selection and Awards Committee, Dr. Dare Ogunyombo, revealed that LAPRIGA 2026 will feature 15 regular award categories alongside 2 honorary recognitions. To reflect modern industry shifts, the committee introduced specialized categories, including Innovative Technology Deployment and Workplace Development PR.
Dr. Ogunyombo reaffirmed the panel’s commitment to transparency, noting that all entries will be vetted strictly on merit and that recipients must be registered, qualified NIPR practitioners. He assured stakeholders that the evaluation framework maintains the highest professional standards to uphold the prestige of the award.
Detailing the event execution plans, Tope Akande, Chairman of the Planning and Fundraising Committee, emphasized that LAPRIGA 2026 aims to deliver an unparalleled experience for attendees, sponsors, and media partners.
”We want to give an experience and not just an event,” Akande declared. “For us, LAPRIGA is our Oscar. It is our Grammy. It is how we recognize excellence in our profession. We are set to celebrate innovation, impact, and influence in a manner that reflects the stature of our industry.” He added.
Also speaking at the conference, the Immediate Past Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Mrs. Comfort Nwankwo, voiced strong confidence in the executive council and organizing committees. She noted that Lagos NIPR continues to lead the industry by raising the bar each year, ensuring that LAPRIGA remains the premier benchmark for public relations excellence across Africa.
