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 also as a member of its Governance Committee.
The election and appointment were contained in a press release, on Monday, by the IPC Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade.
Mr. Arogundade was first elected to the IFEX Council at its reconvened Annual General Meeting on 16 July, 2026.
How Arogundade Became Deputy Convenor
His election as Deputy Convenor and Governance Committee member was unanimously approved at the inaugural meeting of the 2026–2029 IFEX Council on Wednesday, 5 August.
At the meeting, Layal Bahnam, Programme Manager at the Maharat Foundation, was appointed Convenor and Ruth Kronenburg, the Executive Director of Free Press Unlimited, was appointed Treasurer.
As Deputy Convenor, Arogundade will support the Convenor in providing leadership to the Council and, in the Convenor’s absence, undertake responsibilities.
The responsibilities included chairing Council and members’ meetings, convening Council committees as required.
He was also expected to be supporting the implementation of Council decisions, encouraging active participation of Council members, and contributing to the effective governance of the network.
In addition to his responsibilities as Deputy Convenor, Arogundade will serve on the IFEX Governance Committee where he will contribute to strengthening the network’s governance framework, institutional effectiveness and strategic oversight.
In a statement, the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, and former IFEX Convenor and former Council member, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, congratulated Mr. Arogundade on his new IFEX leadership responsibilities.
He noted that the new leadership roles came at a defining moment for global efforts to defend press freedom.
“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 help reinforce the network’s collective advocacy for press freedom and access to information.
“I wish him a successful and impactful tenure,” Edetaen stated in the statement.
Speaking on the significance of the new roles, Arogundade said: “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.
“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.”
It was further stated in the release, “Since joining IFEX in 2016, IPC has been part of a global community of more than 100 independent civil society organisations committed to advancing free expression and journalists’ rights.
“Established in 1992, the network pursues these goals through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity.
“IFEX 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.
Popularly known as the King of Boys, the 60-year-old Arogundade is a professional journalist, author, trainer, researcher, press freedom and media development advocate.
The IPC Executive Director was elected to the 2026–2029 Council of IFEX, a global network of organisations dedicated to defending freedom of expression and access to information.
Arogundade was elected alongside 12 other media freedom and human rights leaders following the conclusion of IFEX’s governance process at a reconvened Annual Meeting in July, NDR reported Thursday.
The IFEX Secretariat announced the outcome after the network’s Annual and General Meetings on June 25, during which members reviewed the 2025 financial statements, approved auditors for the 2026 financial year, adopted amendments to IFEX By-Law No. 1 and completed the Council election process.
