President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
Mr. Ajayi received a commendation award at the IPI’s Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to safeguarding press freedom in Nigeria.
According to the IPI, since his appointment as Director-General of the DSS in late August 2024, Mr. Ajayi has demonstrated “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”
The organisation stated that the award was presented not only to acknowledge his commendable credentials in advancing press freedom, but also to encourage him to do more and inspire other public officials, institutions, and organisations to emulate his example.
President Tinubu welcomed the recognition and commended the DSS Director-General for promoting press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights, and ensuring that the agency discharges its duties strictly within the bounds of the law.
The President noted that under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS is redefining its relationship with the media by moving away from hostility and fostering an atmosphere of dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with journalists and the wider civil populace.
President Tinubu further urged other security agencies and public officials to emulate the DSS by engaging the media as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries.
He also encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to perform their professional duties, in line with the constitutional mandate of the media to hold public officials accountable.
