Maureen Okpe
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) as a champion of press freedom.
In a statement issued from the State House by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy stated, the President described the honour as a testament to the DSS leadership’s commitment to democratic values, media freedom and respect for the rule of law.
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Mr Ajayi received the commendation award at the IPI Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.
The global journalism body noted that since his appointment in late August 2024, the DSS Director-General has demonstrated “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”
According to the IPI, “the award was given not only to recognise Mr Ajayi’s press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to do more and inspire other public officials and institutions to emulate his example.”
President Tinubu welcomed the recognition and commended the DSS boss for ensuring press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights and carrying out his responsibilities within the bounds of the law.
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The President noted that the DSS under Mr Ajayi’s leadership is changing the narrative of hostility against journalists and fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and constructive engagement with the civil populace.
He urged other security agencies and officials to adopt a similar approach by engaging the media as partners in national development rather than adversaries.
President Tinubu also encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional duties, in line with the constitutional role of the media to hold public office holders accountable.