Arogundade emerges Deputy Convenor of IFEX Council

Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), has been elected Deputy Convenor of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) Council.

Arogundade, a human rights activist, was elected to the 13-member Council and appointed to its Governance Committee.

This was at the inaugural meeting of the 2026-2029 Council held on August 5.

Reacting to the appointments, Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board and former IFEX Convenor, described the development as timely.

Ojo said the appointment would reinforce IFEX’s collective advocacy for press freedom and access to information at a time of growing threats to media freedom.

He said: “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.”

Speaking on his new responsibilities, Arogundade said the roles represented more than titles, adding that it was a greater responsibility to contribute to the global network.

He 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.”

The IPC has been a member of IFEX since 2016.

IFEX, established in 1992, is a network of more than 100 independent civil society organisations working to advance freedom of expression and journalists’ rights 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.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖