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.
Mr. Ajayi received a commendation award at the IPI Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, in recognition of his commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists since assuming office in August 2024.
According to the IPI, Ajayi has “demonstrated an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations” during his tenure as DSS Director-General. The organisation noted that the award was not only to acknowledge his efforts but also to encourage him to do more and inspire other public officials and institutions to emulate his example.
President Tinubu welcomed the IPI recognition and commended the DSS boss for upholding press freedom, respecting citizens’ rights, and carrying out his duties within the confines of the law.
The President said the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership is changing the narrative of hostility towards journalists and fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and constructive engagement with the civil populace.
Tinubu further urged other security agencies and public officials to follow the DSS example by engaging the media as partners rather than adversaries.
He also encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional responsibilities, in line with constitutional provisions that empower the media to hold public officials accountable.
