DSS boss Ajayi hails NUJ award, reaffirms commitment to Press Freedom

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has described his emergence as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a strong validation of the growing partnership between the nation’s security agencies and the media.

Ajayi made the remarks after receiving the prestigious award on Monday, expressing gratitude to the NUJ for the recognition, which he said reflected the positive relationship the Service has built with the media since he assumed office.

“I so much value this award coming from the Nigeria Union of Journalists; hence the reason I chose to receive it personally,” Ajayi said.

“Since assuming office, the media has been a friend of the Service, and we will continue to partner in areas we can for the development of the country.”

The DSS Director-General also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his pledge that journalists would not be arrested in the course of their professional duties.

According to him, the DSS has remained faithful to that commitment while continuing to promote collaboration with the media.

Ajayi added that the award would inspire the Service to intensify its efforts in promoting national security and strengthening the professional capacity of journalists across the country.

Earlier, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the award.

He explained that the honour was in recognition of the DSS boss’s efforts in strengthening media engagement and the Service’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.

Abdullahi said the award celebrates professionalism, dedication to public service and initiatives that have deepened mutual understanding, responsible communication and institutional cooperation between the media and security agencies.

He added that the union remains committed to expanding collaboration with the DSS and other institutions in the interest of national security, democracy and development.

The event was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and top executives of the NUJ, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.

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