President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
The President’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, MrAjayi was honoured with a commendation award at the Annual Conference of the respected journalism organisation on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.
While giving the award, the IPI said, “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 toacknowledge his commendable press freedom credentials but also to encourage himto do even more and to inspire other officials, institutions, and organisationsto emulate his example.”
The statement disclosed that 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.
The President affirmd that theDSS 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.
President Tinubu encouraged other security agencies and officials to emulate the DSS example and engage the media as partners, not adversaries.
The President also encouraged the DSS 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.
