Lagos witnessed a grand convergence of influence, creativity and professional distinction as the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) hosted the 2025 Lagos PR Industry Gala and Awards, LaPRIGA.

The prestigious ceremony took place on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the iconic MUSON Centre, Onikan, marking a landmark 10th edition of Nigeria’s foremost public relations awards platform.

Held under the evocative theme “Nox Excellentia – Night of Excellence,” the event delivered an elegant blend of glamour, industry recognition and deep professional reflection.

In doing so, it reinforced LaPRIGA’s standing as the gold standard for celebrating achievement in Nigeria’s communications ecosystem.

A Night Dedicated to Professional Brilliance

Widely acclaimed as the country’s most respected PR recognition initiative, LaPRIGA continues to honour excellence, innovation, ethical practice and creative ingenuity across the communications value chain.

This year, the 2025 edition set a new benchmark by spotlighting agencies, brands and professionals whose work has advanced trust, credibility and national development through strategic communication.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, fnipr, frpa, described the event as a defining moment for the profession.

He explained that the awards were designed not only to celebrate success but also to reinforce shared values and elevate professional standards across the industry.

An Immersive LaPRIGA Experience

From the outset, guests enjoyed a premium red-carpet reception, an exquisitely curated ambience and a programme that seamlessly blended recognition with celebration.

Throughout the evening, organisers presented competitive and honorary awards across multiple categories, complemented by live entertainment, signature LaPRIGA moments and extensive networking opportunities.

Meanwhile, industry leaders, top corporate executives, public sector stakeholders, policymakers and senior media professionals filled the venue, underscoring the influence and relevance of the awards within Nigeria’s professional landscape.

Honouring Excellence Across Categories

The 2025 LaPRIGA celebrated exceptional achievements across a wide spectrum of public relations practice.

Awards were presented in categories including PR Agency of the Year; Public Sector PR Campaign of the Year; Private Sector PR Campaign of the Year; Excellence in Crisis and Issues Management; Rising Star, also known as Young PR Professional of the Year; Media Excellence, PR Journalist of the Year; Corporate Communication Professional of the Year; Excellence in Entertainment PR; Best Use of Technology in PR; Internal Communications Campaign; Community Relations Excellence; Best in Insight-Driven Communication; Most Influential PR Professional; Evergreen or Lifetime Achievement Award; and Best in Education and Research Communications.

As the night progressed, several agencies and professionals emerged as standout winners, with some organisations clinching multiple awards.

Notably, Indigo distinguished itself by securing wins across several categories, reflecting the depth and consistency of its work.

A Rigorous and Transparent Judging Process

Speaking on behalf of the awards committee, the Chairman of the Judging Panel, Chido Nwakanma, detailed the robust evaluation framework adopted for the 2025 edition.

According to him, judges assessed entries using a comprehensive 100-point scoring system measuring strategy, creativity, execution and impact, thereby ensuring fairness, credibility and merit-based recognition.

However, he also shared candid observations from the submission process.

He revealed that a significant number of entries arrived after the official deadline following an extension, a trend that complicated administration and introduced avoidable risks.

In addition, he noted challenges around adherence to guidelines, with several submissions placed in incorrect categories or lacking essential supporting materials, a situation that resulted in the painful exclusion of some deserving entries.

A Call for Broader Industry Participation

Beyond technical observations, the committee raised concerns about participation gaps within the industry.

Nwakanma expressed disappointment at the limited involvement of professionals from key sectors of corporate Nigeria, including banking, oil and gas and listed companies, despite the scale and quality of work produced in those spaces.

He described this hesitation to seek peer validation as a missed opportunity that ultimately weakens the collective credibility and growth of the profession.

Consequently, in a strong call to action, he urged practitioners to embrace confident self-representation and view award submissions as a professional responsibility rather than an act of self-promotion.

Looking ahead, the committee announced plans to commence preparations for the next edition earlier, expand outreach locally and internationally, refine award categories and enhance communication around submission criteria.

Recognising Effort Beyond Winning

In a notable development, LaPRIGA 2025 introduced certificates for first and second runners-up, ensuring that excellence beyond the winning entries is visibly acknowledged.

This initiative allows participants to demonstrate professional recognition within their organisations and, at the same time, reinforces the inclusive spirit of the awards.

A Moment of Tribute and Remembrance

One of the most emotional highlights of the evening came during the Media Excellence, PR Journalist of the Year award presentation. The honour was won by MARKETING EDGE, with the award received by its Deputy Editor, Felicia Nwosu, following the passing of the publication’s Founder and Publisher, John Ajayi, earlier in the week.

In a solemn tribute to the veteran journalist and respected industry voice, a one-minute silence was observed in his honour, celebrating not only his contributions to journalism but also his enduring role within the PR and media community.

Celebrating a Decade, Inspiring the Future

As LaPRIGA marked its 10th anniversary, the 2025 edition stood as both a celebration of achievement and a mirror for industry introspection.

Winners received congratulations for their well-earned honours, while all participants earned commendation for raising the bar of professional practice.

With renewed commitment to excellence, inclusivity and peer recognition, LaPRIGA continues to shape the future of public relations in Nigeria, one night of excellence at a time.