The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, welcomes the election of its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, to the 2026–2029 Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), describing it as an important milestone in the Centre’s continued engagement with global efforts to advance media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information.
Mr. Arogundade will serve on the 13-member IFEX Council, the network’s governing body responsible for setting strategic direction, providing institutional oversight and guiding the implementation of its programmes and priorities during the three-year term.
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 governance. The members are Sana Ali (Pakistan Press Foundation); Shireen Al-Khatib (Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms – MADA); Lanre Arogundade (International Press Centre); Yara Bader (Syrian Center for Media and Free Expression); Layal Bahnam (Maharat Foundation); Nighat Dad (Digital Rights Foundation); Ashnah Kalemera (Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa – CIPESA); Leticia Kleim (Brazilian Association for Investigative Journalism – ABRAJI); Ruth Kronenberg (Free Press Unlimited); Ayaa Irene Lokang (Association for Media and Development in South Sudan – AMDISS); Kiran Maharaj (Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association); Babette Ngene (Electronic Frontier Foundation); and Ahmad Quraishi (Afghanistan Journalists Center).
With more than three decades of experience in journalism, media development, journalists’ safety, democratic governance and rights-based advocacy, Mr. Arogundade brings valuable experience to the Council. His background will support IFEX’s strategic priorities and collective efforts to advance freedom of expression, strengthen media freedom and promote solutions to challenges affecting independent journalism, civic space and access to information during the term.
Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Arogundade, said: “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. I look forward to working with fellow Council members and supporting IFEX members worldwide in strengthening efforts that uphold freedom of expression, advance independent journalism and respond to shared challenges across Nigeria, Africa and the wider global media landscape.”
IPC is one of more than 100 independent civil society organisations in the IFEX network, a global alliance dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental human rights.
Over the years, IPC has worked with national, regional and international partners to promote ethical journalism, strengthen media professionalism, enhance journalists’ safety, support electoral integrity, advance digital rights and improve public access to information. Through research, policy engagement, capacity development and advocacy, the Centre has contributed to strengthening democratic governance and media systems across Africa. Mr. Arogundade’s election builds on this experience and provides an opportunity to contribute to IFEX’s strategic direction and collective efforts to develop practical responses to challenges affecting freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, including those faced in Nigeria and other African contexts.
Established in 1992, IFEX is a global network of independent civil society organisations that advances freedom of expression through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance 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 international policy discussions on media freedom, digital rights and civic space.
IPC congratulates the incoming Council and looks forward to supporting its efforts to strengthen the network’s impact in protecting freedom of expression and defending independent journalism worldwide.
