By Rhoda Godwin
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has been elected to the 2026–2029 Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a development described by the organisation as a significant milestone in its contribution to global efforts to promote media freedom and freedom of expression.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Communications Officer of the International Press Centre, Olutoyin Ayoade.
According to the statement, Arogundade will serve on the 13-member IFEX Council, the network’s governing body responsible for providing strategic direction, institutional oversight and guiding the implementation of IFEX’s programmes and priorities over the next three years.
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 and diverse leadership.
Reacting to his election, Arogundade expressed appreciation to IFEX members for the confidence reposed in him.
“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,” he said.
He added that he looked forward to working with fellow Council members to strengthen efforts aimed at promoting freedom of expression, advancing independent journalism and addressing common challenges affecting media freedom across Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
IPC noted that Arogundade brings more than three decades of experience in journalism, media development, journalists’ safety, democratic governance and rights-based advocacy to the Council.
The Centre said his election would further strengthen IFEX’s efforts to advance freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, while contributing practical solutions to challenges confronting independent journalism and civic space.
As one of more than 100 independent civil society organisations within the IFEX network, IPC has over the years collaborated with national, regional and international partners to promote ethical journalism, strengthen media professionalism, improve journalists’ safety, support electoral integrity, advance digital rights and expand public access to information.
Established in 1992, IFEX is a global network of independent civil society organisations dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of expression and access to information 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 congratulated the incoming Council and expressed optimism that it would strengthen the network’s impact in protecting freedom of expression and defending independent journalism across the world.
