By Chinedu Echianu
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, has been elected to the 2026–2029 Governing Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s representation in the global campaign for media freedom.
In a statement signed by IPC Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade, the Centre described the election as a significant recognition of its longstanding commitment to advancing freedom of expression, media independence and access to information.
Arogundade will serve on the 13-member IFEX Council, the network’s highest governing body, responsible for providing strategic leadership, institutional oversight and guiding the implementation of the organisation’s priorities over the next three years.
The newly elected Council brings together representatives from leading media freedom and digital rights organisations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.
With more than three decades of experience in journalism, media development, journalists’ safety, democratic governance and rights advocacy, Arogundade is expected to contribute significantly to IFEX’s efforts to protect independent journalism and expand civic space globally.
Reacting to his election, Arogundade described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.
“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 global efforts aimed at defending freedom of expression, supporting independent journalism and addressing common challenges facing the media sector.
The IPC, one of more than 100 independent civil society organisations within the IFEX network, has played a key role in promoting ethical journalism, media professionalism, journalists’ safety, electoral integrity and digital rights across Nigeria and Africa.
According to the Centre, Arogundade’s election reinforces IPC’s growing influence on the international stage and provides a stronger platform to contribute to global policy discussions and practical solutions for protecting press freedom and access to information.
Established in 1992, IFEX is a worldwide network dedicated to defending freedom of expression through advocacy, research, emergency support and international solidarity. The organisation also contributes to global policy initiatives through the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Freedom Online Coalition’s Advisory Network.
The IPC congratulated the newly elected Council and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting IFEX’s mission of defending independent journalism and promoting freedom of expression worldwide.
