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LAGOS, NIGERIA — August 10, 2026

The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has been elected Deputy Convenor of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global network of more than 100 civil society organizations dedicated to defending press freedom and free expression worldwide.

Arogundade was first elected to the 13-member IFEX Council at the network’s reconvened Annual General Meeting on July 16, 2026. His subsequent appointment as Deputy Convenor and as a member of the Governance Committee received unanimous approval at the inaugural meeting of the 2026–2029 Council on August 5.

The Council also appointed Layal Bahnam, Program Manager at the Maharat Foundation, as Convenor, and Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director of Free Press Unlimited, as Treasurer.

As Deputy Convenor, Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing leadership to the Council, chair meetings in the Convenor’s absence, convene Council committees as needed, support implementation of Council decisions, encourage active participation among members, and contribute to the effective governance of the network. His additional role on the Governance Committee will focus on strengthening IFEX’s governance framework, institutional effectiveness, and strategic oversight.

A Defining Moment for Press Freedom

Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, and a former IFEX Convenor, congratulated Arogundade on the appointments, emphasizing their significance amid growing global threats to media freedom.

“IFEX has long been a leading force in defending free expression and supporting journalists worldwide,” Ojo said. “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 described the new responsibilities as carrying profound meaning 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 Force

IPC has been a member of IFEX since 2016, joining a global community committed to advancing free expression and journalists’ rights through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance, and international solidarity.

Founded in 1992, IFEX serves on the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition, playing a key role in international policy discussions on media freedom, digital rights, and civic space.