The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has congratulated its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, on his election to the 2026–2029 Governing Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), describing the development as a significant recognition of both his professional contributions and the Centre’s growing role in advancing global media freedom.
Arogundade will serve on the 13-member IFEX Council, the organisation’s highest governing body responsible for providing strategic leadership, institutional oversight and direction for the implementation of the network’s programmes over the next three years.
His election places Nigeria among the countries represented on the Council, alongside media freedom advocates and civil society leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting IFEX’s commitment to broad regional representation and inclusive governance.
The newly constituted Council includes Sana Ali (Pakistan Press Foundation), Shireen Al-Khatib (Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms – MADA), 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).
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With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, media development, journalists’ safety, democratic governance and human rights advocacy, Arogundade is expected to contribute significantly to IFEX’s efforts to strengthen press freedom, protect civic space and promote access to information worldwide.
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.
“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,” he said.
IPC noted that it is one of more than 100 independent civil society organisations that make up the IFEX network, a global alliance committed to defending freedom of expression and promoting access to information as fundamental human rights.
The Centre stated that it has, over the years, partnered with national, regional and international organisations to promote ethical journalism, improve journalists’ safety, strengthen media professionalism, support electoral integrity, advance digital rights and expand public access to information.
According to IPC, Arogundade’s election further strengthens the organisation’s contribution to international conversations on media freedom and provides another opportunity to shape policies and initiatives aimed at protecting independent journalism and freedom of expression, particularly across Africa.
Established in 1992, IFEX is a global network of independent civil society organisations working to advance freedom of expression through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity. The organisation also participates in the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition, contributing to global discussions on press freedom, digital rights and civic space.
IPC congratulated the newly elected Council and expressed confidence that its members would continue to strengthen global efforts to defend journalists, protect civic freedoms and promote independent media worldwide.
