The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has opened entries for the 2026 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LAPRIGA), scheduled for December 11 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Entries opened on August 31 and will close on September 30. The awards will recognise public relations campaigns and programmes executed between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.

The 2026 edition, themed “Redefining Innovation and Influence,” introduces new categories, including Best Innovative Technology Deployment in PR, PR Excellence in Issues and Crisis Management, and Sustainability PR and Communication.

Other categories include PR Agency of the Year, Brand PR Campaign of the Year and Most Influential PR Professional of the Year. Two honorary awards – Lagos PR Personality of the Year and Lifetime PR Contribution Award – will also be presented.

Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Samuel Ayetutu, said the expanded categories were introduced to reflect changes in the industry, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation.

He said entries would be assessed based on strategy, creativity, execution and measurable impact, rather than visibility alone.

Chairman of the awards selection committee, Dare Ogunyombo, said the judging would focus on four areas: strategy and objectives; creativity and innovation; execution and implementation; and impact and measurement.

Also, Chairman of the planning and fundraising committee, Tope Akande, urged communication professionals and corporate organisations to participate in the awards.

LAPRIGA is an annual recognition event organised by the Lagos State chapter of NIPR for public relations and communication practitioners.