The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, has been elected Deputy Convenor of the 13-member Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX).
Arogundade has also been appointed a member of the IFEX Governance Committee, taking on the new responsibilities as the global network intensifies efforts to promote press freedom and freedom of expression.
He was first elected to the IFEX Council at the organisation’s reconvened Annual General Meeting held on July 16, 2026.
His election as Deputy Convenor and appointment to the Governance Committee were unanimously approved at the inaugural meeting of the 2026–2029 IFEX Council on Wednesday, 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 appointed Treasurer.
As Deputy Convenor, Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing leadership to the Council. He will also assume responsibilities in the Convenor’s absence, including chairing Council and members’ meetings, convening committees where necessary and supporting the implementation of Council decisions.
He will further be responsible for encouraging active participation among Council members and contributing to the effective governance of the network.
In his additional role on the IFEX Governance Committee, Arogundade will contribute to strengthening the network’s governance framework, institutional effectiveness and strategic oversight.
Congratulating Arogundade on his new responsibilities, the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board and former IFEX Convenor and Council member, Edetaen Ojo, described the appointments as significant at a critical time for global press freedom.
“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. I wish him a successful and impactful tenure,” Ojo said.
Arogundade said the new positions represented more than leadership roles, describing them as an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a network whose collective voice remains important in defending free expression.
“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.
He added that he would work with the Convenor, fellow Council members and the wider IFEX membership to strengthen the organisation’s impact and reinforce its response to challenges facing free speech, independent journalism and access to information.
The International Press Centre joined IFEX in 2016 and has since been part of a global network of more than 100 independent civil society organisations committed to advancing 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 the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition, contributing to international policy discussions on media freedom, digital rights and civic space.
