Tinubu Congratulates DSS DG Ajayi on IPI Press Freedom Award

President Bola Ahmed 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. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President […]

President Bola Ahmed 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.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President said Ajayi’s commendation reflected his commitment to upholding press freedom and citizens’ rights since assuming office.

Ajayi received the commendation award at the IPI’s Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.

According to the IPI, “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 that the honour was meant “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.”

President Tinubu welcomed the award, commending the DSS boss for “ensuring press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights, and discharging duties within the bounds of the law.”

He said the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership was changing the narrative of hostility against journalists and fostering “an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace.”

The President urged other security agencies to emulate the DSS by engaging the media as partners rather than adversaries.

Tinubu also encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their duties, in line with constitutional provisions that empower the media to hold public officials accountable.

Ajayi was appointed DSS Director-General in late August 2024.