The Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has been elected Deputy Convenor of the 13-member Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, IFEX, and appointed to serve on its Governance Committee for the 2026–2029 term.
Mr. Arogundade was first elected to the IFEX Council at its reconvened Annual General Meeting 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 held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
At the same meeting, Ms. Layal Bahnam, Program Manager at the Maharat Foundation, was appointed Convenor, while Ms. Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director of Free Press Unlimited, was appointed Treasurer.
As Deputy Convenor, Mr. Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing strategic leadership to the Council. In the absence of the Convenor, he will preside over Council and members’ meetings, convene Council committees as required, facilitate the implementation of Council decisions, and foster active participation among members to ensure effective governance of the network.
In his capacity as a member of the IFEX Governance Committee, he will contribute to strengthening the network’s governance structures, institutional effectiveness, and strategic oversight.
In a congratulatory statement, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, and former IFEX Convenor and Council member, described the appointments as timely.
“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 reinforce the network’s collective advocacy for press freedom and access to information. I wish him a successful and impactful tenure,” Mr. Ojo stated.
Speaking on the significance of the appointments, Mr. Arogundade said: “These are not merely leadership positions, but an added responsibility to help shape the strategic direction of a network whose collective voice is more critical now than ever.
“I am committed to working with the Convenor, fellow Council members, and the wider IFEX membership to strengthen the network’s impact and to advance a unified response to threats against free speech, independent journalism, and access to information.”
The IPC has been a member of IFEX since 2016. IFEX is a global network of *over 100 independent civil society organisations* committed to defending freedom of expression and the rights of journalists.
Founded in 1992, IFEX advances its mandate through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency response, 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 global policy dialogue on media freedom, digital rights, and civic space.
