Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), has been elected Deputy Convenor of the 13-member Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), and also appointed as a member of its Governance Committee.
This appointment was announced in a press statement signed by Olutoyin Ayoade, Communications Officer of the International Press Centre.
According to the statement, 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.
Arogundade was first elected to the IFEX Council at its reconvened Annual General Meeting on July 16, 2026.
At the meeting, Layal Bahnam, Programme Manager at the Maharat Foundation, was appointed Convenor, while Ruth Kronenburg, 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 including chairing Council and members’ meetings, convening Council committees when required.
He will also be supporting the implementation of Council decisions, encouraging active participation by 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.
Congratulating Arogundade on his new leadership responsibilities, Mr Edetaen Ojo, the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board, former IFEX Convenor and former Council member, said the appointments 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,” Ojo said.
Speaking on the significance of his new roles, Arogundade said they represented more than leadership positions, describing them as an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a network whose collective voice had become increasingly important.
“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,” he said.