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 leading global network of organisations committed to promoting and defending freedom of expression and access to information around the world.
Arogundade secured his place on the influential governing council alongside 12 other distinguished media freedom and human rights advocates following the conclusion of IFEX’s governance process at a reconvened Annual Meeting held in July.
The development, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, marks another milestone for Nigeria’s media advocacy community and underscores the country’s growing visibility in global efforts aimed at safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists.
According to the IFEX Secretariat, the election was concluded after the network’s Annual and General Meetings held on June 25, during which members reviewed key governance issues, including the organisation’s 2025 financial statements, approved the appointment of auditors for the 2026 financial year, adopted amendments to IFEX By-Law No. 1, and completed the election of members into the governing council.
The Secretariat officially announced the election results following the conclusion of the governance process and extended appreciation to all member organisations that participated in the voting exercise.
In a statement welcoming the newly elected Council members, the Secretariat congratulated the successful candidates while also recognising all those who offered themselves for service during the election.
It expressed gratitude to IFEX members for their active participation in strengthening the democratic processes of the international organisation and reaffirmed the network’s commitment to promoting transparent and accountable governance.
Arogundade’s election is widely seen as recognition of his longstanding contributions to press freedom, media development, journalists’ safety and democratic governance, both within Nigeria and internationally.
Over the years, he has remained one of Nigeria’s most respected advocates for media independence, leading several initiatives focused on protecting journalists, promoting ethical journalism, advancing media literacy and strengthening access to public information.
As Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Arogundade has worked closely with local and international partners on programmes aimed at improving the professional capacity of journalists, combating misinformation, promoting electoral integrity through responsible media coverage and defending civic freedoms.
His election to the IFEX Council is expected to provide Nigeria and the broader African media community with stronger representation in global conversations on freedom of expression, digital rights, media sustainability and the protection of journalists operating under difficult conditions.
The International Freedom of Expression Exchange is regarded as one of the world’s foremost networks dedicated to defending free expression and access to information. The organisation brings together dozens of independent media rights and human rights organisations from across the globe to advocate for journalists, writers, activists and citizens whose rights to free speech are threatened.
Through coordinated advocacy, emergency support, research and international campaigns, IFEX works to challenge censorship, defend imprisoned journalists, promote legal reforms and ensure that governments uphold international human rights standards relating to freedom of expression.
The newly elected Council will provide strategic leadership for the organisation over the next three years, helping to shape its policies, priorities and governance while overseeing efforts to strengthen collaboration among member organisations across different regions of the world.
Observers say Arogundade’s inclusion on the Council comes at a critical period when media organisations worldwide are confronting growing challenges, including attacks on journalists, restrictions on press freedom, disinformation, digital surveillance and shrinking civic spaces.
His experience in advocating for media rights within Nigeria’s democratic environment is expected to contribute valuable perspectives to the Council’s deliberations on addressing emerging threats to free expression globally.
Media stakeholders in Nigeria have described the election as a significant achievement, noting that it reflects international recognition of the work being undertaken by the International Press Centre in advancing independent journalism, accountability and democratic governance.
They also expressed optimism that Arogundade’s new role would further strengthen partnerships between Nigerian media organisations and global press freedom institutions while amplifying African voices in international policy discussions.
With his election to the IFEX Council for the 2026–2029 term, Arogundade joins a diverse team of global media freedom and human rights leaders tasked with steering one of the world’s most influential freedom of expression networks, reinforcing international efforts to protect journalists, promote independent media and defend the fundamental right to freedom of expression for all.
