The Lagos Public Relations industry has introduced new award categories for the 2026 edition of the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala Awards (LAPRIGA), scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 11, 2026.
Unveiling the awards at a media briefing recently, the Chairman of NIPR Lagos State Chapter, Dr Samuel Layette, said this year’s theme, “Redefining Innovation and Influence,” captures the shifting boundaries between public relations, advertising, digital communication, content creation, technology and brand management.
He explained that innovation in modern practice goes beyond novelty, requiring practitioners to solve problems and deliver measurable impact in ways that are deliberate and meaningful. He added that influence today is earned through credibility, authenticity and engagement rather than media budgets or traditional media appearances.
Layette noted that a single social media post or video can now shape a national conversation and influence brand perception faster than conventional campaigns, a shift he linked to the growing role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, social listening and automation in the profession.
He cautioned that while these tools expand what practitioners can produce, they also raise the bar for originality and authenticity, especially as AI-generated content becomes more widespread. He cited advertising pioneer Bill Bernbach’s view that truth remains advertising’s most powerful element, arguing that truth and authenticity are still the strongest currencies of influence in an era of information overload.
Layette said LAPRIGA was designed to recognise practitioners excelling across strategic communication, digital communication, content creation, reputation management, public affairs, crisis communication, corporate communication and community engagement.
The Chairman of the LAPRIGA Selection Committee, Dr Dare Ogunyombo, said this year’s edition features 15 regular award categories and two honorary recognitions. He said that some of last year’s categories were merged, while new ones were added to make the awards more focused and competitive, and that the selection process would be guided by fairness, integrity, and professional merit. He added that the committee was keen on ensuring award recipients are qualified NIPR members.
A former chairman of NIPR Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Comfort Nwankwo, said the chapter remained committed to raising the bar with each edition of the awards.
