Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has been elected to the governing council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) for the 2026-2029 term, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s contribution to global press freedom advocacy.
The IPC, in a statement issued by its Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade, described the election as recognition of Arogundade’s longstanding commitment to media development and democratic governance, noting that it further strengthens the centre’s engagement in advancing global media freedom.
A Seat at the Highest Table
Arogundade will serve on the 13-member IFEX Council, the network’s highest governing body responsible for setting its strategic direction, providing institutional oversight, and guiding the implementation of programmes and priorities over the next three years.
The newly elected Council comprises representatives of IFEX member organisations from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the network’s commitment to inclusive and diverse leadership.
Distinguished Council Members
Other members of the council include:
· Sana Ali (Pakistan Press Foundation)
· Shireen Al-Khatib (Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms – MADA)
· Yara Bader (Syrian Center for Media and Free Expression)
· Layal Bahnam (Maharat Foundation)
· Nighat Dad (Digital Rights Foundation)
· Ashnah Kalemera (CIPESA)
· Leticia Kleim (ABRAJI)
· Ruth Kronenberg (Free Press Unlimited)
· Ayaa Irene Lokang (AMDISS)
· Kiran Maharaj (Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association)
· Babette Ngene (Electronic Frontier Foundation)
· Ahmad Quraishi (Afghanistan Journalists Center)
Decades of Experience
With more than three decades of experience in journalism, media development, journalists’ safety, democratic governance and rights advocacy, Arogundade is expected to bring extensive expertise to the council as it advances IFEX’s strategic priorities and responds to emerging threats facing independent journalism, civic space, digital rights and access to information worldwide.
‘Honoured by the Confidence’
Reacting to his election, Arogundade expressed appreciation to IFEX members for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am honoured by the confidence of IFEX members and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the council. At a time when the ecosystems that sustain media freedom, digital rights and access to information are under increasing pressure, networks such as IFEX remain vital platforms for solidarity, knowledge exchange and collective action,” he said.
He added that he looked forward to working with fellow council members to strengthen efforts aimed at defending freedom of expression, promoting independent journalism and addressing shared challenges confronting media practitioners across Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
IPC’s Global Engagement
IPC is one of more than 100 independent civil society organisations that make up the IFEX network, a global alliance dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental human rights.
The centre has over the years collaborated with national, regional and international partners to promote ethical journalism, strengthen media professionalism, improve journalists’ safety, support electoral integrity, advance digital rights and expand public access to information across Africa.
A Platform for Nigerian Voice
The statement noted that Arogundade’s election provides an opportunity for IPC to contribute more actively to IFEX’s strategic direction and global advocacy efforts aimed at addressing contemporary challenges to media freedom and democratic governance.
Established in 1992, IFEX is a worldwide network of independent civil society organisations working to advance freedom of expression through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity. The organisation 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.
IPC congratulated the newly elected council members and expressed confidence that the new leadership would further strengthen the network’s impact in defending independent journalism and protecting freedom of expression across the world.
