A Decade Of Distinction: LAPRIGA 2025 Unveils Elite Council Of PR Titans To Judge Landmark Anniversary Awards

As the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LAPRIGA) prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary, the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has unveiled a distinguished Selection Committee for the landmark 2025 edition.
More than an awards ceremony, LAPRIGA has become the definitive annual celebration of excellence, innovation, and glamour within Nigeria’s public relations landscape.
To mark a decade of distinction, this year’s judging panel brings together some of the nation’s most accomplished communicators, scholars, and strategists, each representing a blend of academic depth, industry leadership, and professional integrity.
Meet the 2025 LAPRIGA Selection Panel
1. Dr Kehinde Oyesomi, Associate Professor & Prolific Researcher
An Associate Professor of Communication at Covenant University and grant-winning scholar, Dr Oyesomi’s research spans media, gender, and children’s health. She serves as the Panel Secretary.
2. Ishola N. Ayodele, Crisis Management Pioneer & Message Engineer
Creator of “Message Engineering,” Ayodele is a multiple award-winning crisis communication expert whose work across finance, government, and technology has earned national commendation.
3. Dr Olajide Emmanuel Atansuyi, Government Strategist & AI Professional
Director of Social Media for Lagos State, Dr Atansuyi has over 25 years in public service and is a certified AI professional, bridging traditional PR and digital engagement.
4. Dr Oludare Ebenezer Ogunyombo, Scholar-Practitioner & Brand Counsel
With 25 years in journalism and marketing communications for brands like Guinness and MTN, Dr Ogunyombo is also Vice Chairman of the NIPR Training Committee and a university lecturer.
5. Oladapo Soneye, Corporate Affairs Maven
Corporate Affairs Country Lead at International Breweries Plc, Soneye’s 20-year career spans agency and corporate leadership, with deep expertise in brand-building strategy.
6. Daniel Obi, Veteran Journalist & Media Chairman
Associate Editor at BusinessDay and Chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN), Obi brings media insight and editorial rigour to the evaluation process.
7. Chidorum B. Nwakanma, Strategic Communicator & Industry Leader
Former President of both IABC Nigeria and PRCAN, Nwakanma is a respected strategist and author whose counsel has guided major brands and institutions.
A Milestone Year for Nigerian PR
Three members of the 2025 panel are past LAPRIGA laureates, reinforcing the awards’ tradition of excellence and continuity. Their involvement ensures that the next generation of practitioners is evaluated by those who have set the benchmark themselves.
Speaking on the 2025 edition, the Lagos NIPR Executive described the committee as “A council of PR titans, united by passion, intellect, and a shared commitment to raising the bar for communication excellence.”
According to the organizers, entries for the 2025 LAPRIGA Awards are open until 28 November 2025. Practitioners and agencies are encouraged to submit their most outstanding campaigns, thought leadership projects, and strategic communication initiatives for consideration.
With a jury of this calibre, every entrant can be assured that their work will be judged by the best minds in the industry.

