Rita Enemuru, Reporting
ABUJA — Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), has been elected Deputy Convenor of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) and appointed to its Governance Committee, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian leadership on the global press freedom stage.
Mr Arogundade was first elected to the 13-member IFEX Council at the network’s reconvened Annual General Meeting on July 16, 2026. His subsequent elevation to Deputy Convenor and Governance Committee member received unanimous approval at the inaugural meeting of the 2026–2029 IFEX Council on Wednesday, August 5.
At the same gathering, Layal Bahnam, Program Manager at the Maharat Foundation, was appointed Convenor, while Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director of Free Press Unlimited, assumed the role of Treasurer.
As Deputy Convenor, Mr Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing strategic leadership to the Council. His responsibilities include chairing Council and members’ meetings in the Convenor’s absence, convening Council committees when required, supporting the implementation of Council decisions, encouraging active participation among Council members, and contributing to the network’s overall governance effectiveness.
In his additional capacity on the IFEX Governance Committee, he will play a key role in strengthening the network’s governance framework, institutional effectiveness and strategic oversight.
‘Defining Moment’ for Press Freedom
Congratulating Mr Arogundade on his new responsibilities, Mr Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, and a former IFEX Convenor and Council member, described the appointments as coming at a pivotal time for global media freedom advocacy.
“IFEX has long been a leading force in defending free expression and supporting journalists worldwide,” Mr Ojo stated. “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.”
Arogundade Vows to Strengthen Collective Response
Responding to his election, Mr Arogundade underscored the weight of his new roles, emphasising their significance beyond mere titles.
“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.
“I am therefore set to work with the Convenor, fellow Council members and the wider IFEX membership to strengthen the network’s impact and reinforce our collective response to the encumbrances on free speech, independent journalism and access to information.”
A Growing Global Presence
Since IPC joined IFEX in 2016, the organisation has been part of a global community comprising more than 100 independent civil society groups committed to advancing free expression and journalists’ rights.
Established in 1992, IFEX pursues these objectives through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity.
The network also serves on 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.
