LAPRIGA AWARDS: LASG BAGS EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR SUPPORTING PR PRACTICE IN PUBLIC SECTOR

…commends Significant Role of Public Relations Practitioners

The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, bagged the Award of Excellence for Supporting Public Relations Practice in the Public Sector at the 8th Edition of the Lagos PR Industry Gala and Awards (LAPRIGA); just as the State Government says it recognises the importance of communication and engagement while commending the impact of public relations practitioners in the State and Nigeria.

Similarly, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) was also honoured with the Public Sector PR Campaign of the Year for its Chain Reactions Africa initiative.

In his goodwill message at the event, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauded the significant contributions of public relations practitioners in the state as well as to national development.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, also stressed that the Lagos State Government recognises the importance of communication and engagement and no one does this better than Public Relations Practitioners.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman, NIPR Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Comfort Obot-Nwankwo said this year’s awards are about the Game Changers who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour.

“At Lagos NIPR, we persistently lead in innovation, contributing to the growth of Public Relations. Our commitment extends to the LAPRIGA Award for environment campaigns which we just introduced, including a special recognition for Oreofe Osisami, a trailblazing product of St. Patrick Learning Foundation”, she said.

Obot-Nwankwo equally applauded the Selection Committee for working assiduously in reviewing over 100 entries to come up with the shortlisted nominees this year, adding that the Chapter remains committed to steering the ship of public relations in the state, saying “Looking at 2024, we’ll intensify our focus on spotlighting the Game Changers, unsung heroes, recognising and promoting individuals often overlooked by the media – a true embodiment of what PR should be”.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde who was also honoured at the event, commended Lagos NIPR and assured them of his continued support for the chapter. He highlighted the giant strides that  have been recorded in the LCDA under his watch in the areas of education, health and infrastructure development among others

On his part, another renowned Public Relations Practitioner, Mr. Jaiye Opayemi observed that oftentimes, public relations practitioners celebrate others but forget to celebrate themselves. “I salute the Lagos NIPR and its leadership. As practitioners, we must realise that we are not inferior. Therefore, we must always earmark time to celebrate ourselves”, he added.

Also recognised at the awards ceremony for his sterling contributions to the Public Relations Profession in Lagos State over the years was the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olusina Thorpe while a Posthumous Award for Excellence for Service to NIPR Lagos State Chapter, was given to Mr. Femi Ogun of blessed memory.

Other dignitaries at the event include former Council Member, NIPR, Mrs. Nkechi Alli-Balogun; immediate past Chairman NIPR Lagos Chapter, Mr. Segun McMedal; Director, Social Media, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Dr. Jide Atansuyi, public relations practitioners and marketing executives among others.