Lanre Arogundade Elected IFEX Deputy Convenor, Joins Governance Committee

The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, has assumed two leadership positions within the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), becoming Deputy Convenor of its 13-member Council and joining the network’s Governance Committee.

Arogundade was first elected to the IFEX Council at the organisation’s reconvened Annual General Meeting on July 16, 2026.

His appointment as Deputy Convenor and member of the Governance Committee was unanimously approved at the first meeting of the newly constituted 2026–2029 IFEX Council held on August 5.

At the meeting, Layal Bahnam, Programme Manager at the Maharat Foundation, was appointed Convenor, while Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director of Free Press Unlimited, was named Treasurer.

As Deputy Convenor, Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing leadership to the IFEX Council and wider network.

He will also assume the Convenor’s responsibilities when required, including chairing Council and members’ meetings, convening committees, supporting the implementation of Council decisions and encouraging active participation among Council members.

His additional role on the Governance Committee will involve contributing to efforts to strengthen IFEX’s governance structures, institutional effectiveness and strategic oversight.

The appointments place the Nigerian media freedom advocate in a key leadership position within a global network focused on defending freedom of expression and journalists’ rights.

The Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board and former IFEX Convenor and Council member, Edetaen Ojo, congratulated Arogundade on his new responsibilities.

Ojo said the appointments came at an important period for global efforts to protect press freedom and freedom of expression.

“IFEX has long been a leading force in defending free expression and supporting journalists worldwide. At a time of growing threats to media freedom, these appointments will help reinforce the network’s collective advocacy for press freedom and access to information,” Ojo said.

He wished Arogundade a successful and impactful tenure.

Reacting to the new positions, Arogundade described the appointments as a greater responsibility to contribute to the strategic direction of IFEX.

“To me, they are not mere leadership roles, but more responsibility to contribute to the shaping of the strategic direction of a network whose collective voice has never been more important,” he said.

Arogundade said he looked forward to working with the Convenor, fellow Council members and the wider IFEX membership to strengthen the organisation’s impact.

He also pledged to contribute to efforts to address threats to free speech, independent journalism and access to information.

The International Press Centre has been a member of IFEX since 2016 and is part of a global network of more than 100 independent civil society organisations working to advance freedom of expression and journalists’ rights.

Established in 1992, IFEX pursues its objectives through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity.

The network also participates in international policy discussions through the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition, focusing on issues including media freedom, digital rights and civic space.

Arogundade’s new positions will give the IPC and Nigeria a stronger presence within the international network as it continues its advocacy for press freedom, journalists’ safety and access to information.