By Peter Omopo
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) as a champion of press freedom.
Ajayi received a commendation award on December 2, 2025, during the Annual Conference of the IPI held in Abuja. The honour was conferred in recognition of his commitment to press freedom and respectful engagement with journalists since assuming office.
The commendation was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
According to the IPI, Ajayi has demonstrated “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations” since his appointment as Director-General of the DSS in August 2024. The organisation noted that the award was also intended to encourage him to do more and to inspire other public officials and institutions to emulate his example.
President Tinubu welcomed the recognition and commended the DSS boss for promoting press freedom, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and carrying out his responsibilities within the confines of the law.
The President said the DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, is reshaping its relationship with the media by replacing hostility with dialogue and constructive engagement with journalists and the wider public.
He urged other security agencies and public officials to emulate the DSS approach by viewing the media as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries.
President Tinubu also encouraged the DSS to remain committed to creating a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to discharge their professional duties, in line with constitutional provisions that empower the media to hold public office holders accountable.
