Tinubu hails DSS boss Ajayi as press freedom champion after IPI honour
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, on receiving a prestigious commendation award from the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) for his commitment to press freedom.
The award was presented to Ajayi during the IPI’s Annual Conference on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.
In a statement issued Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu praised Ajayi’s leadership since his appointment in late August 2024.
The IPI lauded Ajayi, stating, “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.”
The organisation added, “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.”
Tinubu commended the DSS chief for “ensuring press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights, and discharging duties within the bounds of the law.”
He noted that the agency under 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.”
The President urged other security agencies and officials to follow suit, treating the media as “partners, not adversaries.”
He also encouraged the DSS to continue fostering an enabling environment for journalists, in line with constitutional provisions that empower the media to hold officials accountable.
