he Lagos State Chapter, the leading and most populated branch of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) accounting for nearly 60 percent of the Public Relations practitioners in the country, inaugurated the Lagos PR Industry Gala and Awards, widely known as the LaPRIGA, as the high-profile red bow-tie event that recognizes excellence and celebrates communications practitioners including stakeholders to boost professionalism and more investment in the practice via awards dinner accompanied by soothing music, cocktail mixer and a drama skit.
The LaPRIGA,
which has evolved to become communications industry Oscars, adding new colours, new dimension and new values to the industry by recognising best accomplishments in reputation management, relationship management and support for marketing functions. It is a night of elegance, class, and entertainment exclusively for the communications industry and most influential stakeholders.
About 400 guests, including captains of industry, boardroom titans, leading communications professionals in public, corporate and not-for-profit organisations, media personalities, academia, and C-Suite executives from across different sectors and industries in Nigeria are expected to attend.
There will also be a drama presentation to increase awareness, acceptance, respect, and support for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders [ASD] – a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviour in kids. It is estimated that 380,000 children in Nigeria have Autism owing to low awareness, knowledge, and expertise required to stem the tide.
Another special highlight of the event is the presentation of LaPRIGA to practitioners and corporate bodies. For their contribution to the practice and growth of the profession over the years. Honourees are carefully chosen by a Selection Panel made up of individuals with impeccable character, requite academic qualification, professional accomplishments, and long-time leadership roles having served as sources of inspiration in the workplace and the industry, raising standards.
At the 2016 edition, focused on Corporate Social Responsibility, nine corporate bodies including the First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, MTN, DUFIL, Promasidor, Airtel, Nigerian Breweries, Lafarge and Dufil Prima Foods carted away the prestigious LaPRIGA for their extraordinary acts of giving, sharing and loving, which has made a demonstrable difference in host communities and the lives of specific persons.
The Institute, therefore, invite you to take part in this edition to build on the success of the previous editions.