NUJ honours DSS DG Oluwatosin Ajayi as Man of the Year for strengthening media–security partnership

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred its prestigious Man of the Year award on the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, mni, in recognition of his leadership in strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in Nigeria.

The honour was announced at the conclusion of a two-day National Security Summit held in Abuja, organised by the NUJ in partnership with the DSS.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” held between 18 and 19 June 2026, brought together media executives, security chiefs, policymakers, academics, civil society actors and development partners to examine ways of improving security communication and national stability.

According to the NUJ, the award reflects appreciation of leadership that prioritises openness, engagement and mutual respect in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The union said under Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS has maintained consistent engagement with media stakeholders, helping to reduce misinformation and improve cooperation between both institutions.

NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, said the summit was timely given Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and separatist agitations.

He reiterated that national security requires collaboration between institutions and responsible journalism anchored on professionalism and accuracy.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised the partnership between the media and security agencies, noting that trust and professionalism remain essential in managing national security issues.

Participants at the summit also highlighted the importance of structured engagement between security agencies and the media, improved communication strategies, and capacity building for journalists and security spokespersons.

Speakers, including Professor Okey Ikechukwu, Musikilu Mojeed of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, and NAWOJ President Aisha Ibrahim, stressed the need for balanced reporting, stronger fact-checking mechanisms and inclusive participation in peacebuilding efforts.

The summit further recommended institutionalising regular dialogue between media and security agencies, improving transparency in security communication, enhancing ethical standards in journalism, and increasing investment in education, youth empowerment and security infrastructure.

The communiqué was signed by NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi on 19 June 2026, with appreciation extended to the DSS leadership for supporting the successful hosting of the summit.

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