By Abdullahi Lukman
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
Mr Ajayi was honoured with a commendation award at the Annual Conference and General Meeting of the global journalism organisation on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.
According to the IPI, “Since he was appointed Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) in late August 2024, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has demonstrated an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”
“We do so not only to acknowledge his commendable press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to do even more and to inspire other officials, institutions, and organisations to emulate his example,” the organisation said.
According to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu welcomed the IPI award and commended the DG of the DSS for ensuring press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights, and discharging duties within the bounds of the law.
He said the President also affirmed that the DSS under Mr Ajayi is changing the narrative of hostility against members of the press and creating an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace.
He said President Tinubu has also charged the heads of other security agencies and government officials “to emulate the DSS example and engage the media as partners, not adversaries”.
He noted that the President encouraged the DSS Chief to “keep up the good work and not to relent in fostering a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional duties, in consonance with the constitutional provision empowering the media to hold all officials to account”.
