MRA Executive Director Edetaen Ojo Reappointed to Global Internet Freedom Advisory Network
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Mr. Edetaen Ojo, has been reappointed to the 2026–2028 Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), reinforcing Nigeria’s and Africa’s voice in global discussions on internet freedom, digital rights, and human rights online.
Ojo is among 30 leading digital rights experts from across the world selected to serve on the Coalition’s Advisory Network (FOC-AN), an independent multi-stakeholder body comprising representatives from civil society, academia, the private sector, and the technical community. The network provides strategic guidance to the Coalition on key digital policy issues, including internet governance, freedom of expression, privacy, access to information, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and human rights online.
His reappointment makes him one of the few members retained from the previous cohort, reflecting recognition of his experience and contributions to advancing the Coalition’s mission.
Reacting to the appointment, Ojo described it as an opportunity to continue advocating for digital rights and ensuring Africa’s perspectives are represented in global digital governance.
“I am honoured to have been selected once again to serve on the FOC’s Advisory Network, which is a unique opportunity to engage with and possibly influence key governments from across the globe dedicated to promoting and defending internet freedom and human rights online,” he said.
He stressed that as digital technologies continue to reshape societies, it is vital that Africa maintains a strong voice in shaping global digital governance while ensuring that human rights remain central to technological development.
The Freedom Online Coalition is an alliance of 41 governments committed to promoting internet freedom and protecting human rights online. Its membership currently stands at 41 following the withdrawal of one of its founding members, the United States, in February 2026.
The Coalition’s Advisory Network serves as an independent advisory body that supports dialogue between governments and stakeholders while contributing expertise on emerging digital policy issues and promoting a free, open, secure, and inclusive internet.
The newly constituted 2026–2028 Advisory Network reflects broad geographical representation, with experts drawn from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Members represent globally respected organizations including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Cloudflare, the Global Network Initiative, International IDEA, IFEX, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), Derechos Digitales, Data Privacy Brasil, Research ICT Africa, Paradigm Initiative, DotAsia Organisation, Vanderbilt University, the European University Institute, and the Software Freedom Law Center (India), among others.
Ojo is one of four Africa-based experts appointed to the new Advisory Network. The others are fellow Nigerian Khadijah El-Usman of Paradigm Initiative, Liz Orembo of Research ICT Africa, and Egyptian digital rights advocate Mohamed Farahat.
The Coalition said the new Advisory Network will play a critical role over the next two years by providing expert guidance on emerging digital policy challenges, supporting policy development, and advancing a rights-respecting internet globally.
Current members of the Freedom Online Coalition include 41 governments across Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas, while Taiwan participates as an observer. The Coalition continues to promote multistakeholder collaboration in addressing global digital governance challenges and safeguarding human rights in the digital age.
