By Michael Omotosho |
The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) Africa Region has elected Lekan Otufodunrin of Journalists for Christ International Outreach, Nigeria, as its new president.
In a statement signed by Secretary Blessing Oladunjoye, the organisation elected Otufodunrin on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during its General Assembly, alongside other executive members who will lead the region for the next four years.
Amie Joof-Cole of the Inter Africa Network for Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV), Senegal, was elected vice president.
Blessing Oladunjoye of the BO Foundation for Inclusive Media, Nigeria, emerged as secretary, while Mwendwa Kivuva, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet), Kenya, was elected treasurer.
George Stewart, a media development specialist from Liberia, and Opeyemi Lawal, a journalist from Nigeria, were elected as alternate executive members.
Otufodunrin and Joof-Cole will also serve as board members of the WACC UK Board.
New President Pledges Focus on Digital, Gender Justice
In his acceptance remarks, Otufodunrin pledged that the new executive would implement programmes to advance WACC’s focus on digital justice, gender justice and climate justice across the continent, alongside other key issues.
The new leadership is expected to build on the organisation’s work in promoting communication rights and inclusive media development across Africa.
Adegboyega Highlights Priorities for Digital Justice
At the opening ceremony, the convener of the West Africa Digital Rights Defenders Coalition, Kehinde Adegboyega, delivered a keynote address titled “Ensuring Digital Justice in Africa.”
He called for universal access, safeguards for digital rights and data sovereignty, stressing the need for an inclusive and rights-based digital environment across the continent.
Adegboyega identified capacity building, policy advocacy, coalition building and community action as key components of a roadmap for regional action.
“No digital future is just until it is inclusive, free and grounded in dignity for all Africans,” Adegboyega stated.
WACC Staff Liaison Commends Outgoing Executive
The assembly was attended by WACC Africa Region Staff Liaison, Dr Sarah Macharia, who commended the outgoing executive, led by Matomklawè Kpalla, for its accomplishments.
She urged the new executive to build on the achievements of its predecessors and do more to strengthen WACC’s standing and influence across the region.
The newly elected board will serve a four-year term, with responsibility for advancing the organisation’s communication rights agenda and promoting digital, gender and climate justice in Africa.
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