IPC Executive Director Joins IFEX Governance Committee, Pledges Stronger Global Push for Media Freedom
Chioma Vivian James|August 10, 2026
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has assumed a prominent leadership position within the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), emerging as Deputy Convenor of the 13-member IFEX Council and a member of its Governance Committee.
Arogundade’s new responsibilities mark a significant elevation of Nigeria’s voice in the global movement for freedom of expression, press freedom, access to information and the protection of journalists’ rights.
He was first elected to the IFEX Council at the network’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 inaugural meeting of the 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, became Treasurer.
As Deputy Convenor, Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing strategic leadership to the Council. In the absence of the Convenor, he will assume responsibilities including chairing Council and members’ meetings, convening committees where necessary, supporting implementation of Council decisions and promoting active participation among Council members.
His additional appointment to the IFEX Governance Committee will see him contribute to strengthening the network’s governance framework, institutional effectiveness and strategic oversight.
Congratulating Arogundade, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, and former IFEX Convenor and Council member, described the appointments as timely, particularly against the backdrop of increasing threats to media freedom globally.
Ojo said the new responsibilities would further strengthen IFEX’s collective advocacy for press freedom and access to information.
For Arogundade, however, the new positions represent more than personal recognition.
“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 was ready to work with the Convenor, fellow Council members and the wider IFEX membership to strengthen the network’s impact and reinforce collective responses to challenges confronting free speech, independent journalism and access to information.
The appointment further underscores the growing international profile of the International Press Centre, which has been a member of IFEX since 2016.
IFEX brings together more than 100 independent civil society organisations across the world working to advance freedom of expression and journalists’ rights. Established in 1992, the network pursues its mission through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity.
IFEX also participates in the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Freedom Online Coalition’s Advisory Network, contributing to international policy conversations around media freedom, digital rights and civic space.
Arogundade’s emergence in the leadership of the global network therefore places Nigeria at a strategic table where critical conversations on the future of journalism, digital rights and freedom of expression are being shaped.
