Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), has been elected Deputy Convenor of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) Council.
Arogundade secured a seat on the 13-member IFEX Council for the 2026–2029 term and was also appointed to the organisation’s Governance Committee.
The appointments were confirmed during the inaugural meeting of the new Council held on August 5, 2026.
Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, welcomed the development, describing it as significant for the global campaign to protect press freedom.
Ojo, who previously served as IFEX Convenor, said Arogundade’s new responsibilities come at a crucial period when journalists and media organisations are facing increasing challenges in different parts of the world.
According to him, IFEX has played an important role in defending freedom of expression, protecting journalists and promoting public access to information.
He expressed confidence that the latest appointments would strengthen the network’s international advocacy and improve collective action against threats to media freedom.
Reacting to his election, Arogundade said his new position should be viewed as a responsibility to contribute more actively to the strategic direction and effectiveness of the global freedom of expression network.
He said he intends to work closely with the IFEX Convenor, other Council members and organisations within the network to strengthen responses to restrictions on free speech, independent journalism and access to information.
The International Press Centre has been part of the IFEX network since 2016.
Established in 1992, IFEX brings together more than 100 independent civil society organisations working to promote freedom of expression and defend the rights and safety of journalists around the world.
Its activities include advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency support and international collaboration on issues affecting free expression and media freedom.
IFEX also participates in major international initiatives on media rights and digital freedom, including the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Freedom Online Coalition’s Advisory Network.
Arogundade’s emergence as Deputy Convenor further increases Nigeria’s representation within international efforts focused on press freedom, journalists’ rights and access to information.
