The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, has assumed a new leadership role within the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), emerging as Deputy Convenor of the network’s 13-member Council.
Arogundade was also appointed to the IFEX Governance Committee, giving him additional responsibility for contributing to the network’s institutional governance, strategic oversight and effectiveness.
His election to the Council was first secured at the reconvened IFEX Annual General Meeting on July 16, 2026, while his elevation to Deputy Convenor and appointment to the Governance Committee were unanimously approved at the inaugural meeting of the 2026–2029 Council held on August 5.
The new leadership structure is headed by Layal Bahnam, Programme Manager at the Maharat Foundation, as Convenor, while Ruth Kronenburg, Executive Director of Free Press Unlimited, serves as Treasurer.
As Deputy Convenor, Arogundade is expected to support the Convenor in leading the Council and assume key responsibilities in the Convenor’s absence. His duties will include chairing Council and members’ meetings, convening committees when required, supporting implementation of Council decisions and promoting active participation among Council members.
His membership of the Governance Committee will also see him contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening IFEX’s governance framework, institutional capacity and strategic direction.
Reacting to the appointments, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Chairman of the IPC Governing Board and former IFEX Convenor and Council member, Edetaen Ojo, congratulated Arogundade, describing the new responsibilities as significant at a time of increasing pressure on media freedom globally.
“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.
Arogundade, who has been involved with IFEX through the IPC since 2016, said his new responsibilities went beyond holding leadership positions, describing them as an opportunity to contribute more actively to the strategic direction of the global free-expression network.
“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,” he said.
He added that he would work with the Convenor, other Council members and the wider IFEX membership to strengthen the network’s impact and improve its collective response to challenges confronting free speech, independent journalism and access to information.
The IPC’s membership of IFEX connects it to a global network of more than 100 independent civil society organisations working to promote freedom of expression and protect journalists’ rights.
Established in 1992, IFEX advances its objectives through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity. The network also participates in international policy platforms, including the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Freedom Online Coalition’s Advisory Network, where it contributes to discussions on media freedom, digital rights and civic space.
