The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has described his emergence as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a strong endorsement of the growing partnership between Nigeria’s security agencies and the media.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Ajayi expressed gratitude to the NUJ, saying the honour reflected the mutual trust and collaboration that have developed between the DSS and journalists since he assumed office.
“I so much value this award coming from the Nigeria Union of Journalists; hence the reason I chose to receive it personally,” he said.
The DSS boss noted that the media has remained a dependable partner of the Service and pledged to sustain the relationship in the interest of national development.
“Since assuming office, the media has been a friend of the Service, and we will continue to partner in areas we can for the development of the country,” Ajayi added.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to press freedom, he recalled his pledge of “no arrest of journalists,” stressing that the DSS has remained faithful to that commitment. He described the award as an encouragement to intensify efforts at enhancing national security while supporting professional development initiatives for journalists.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, disclosed that the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the prestigious honour in recognition of his leadership and commitment to fostering constructive engagement between the DSS and the media.
According to Abdullahi, the Director-General’s support for the successful hosting of the NUJ National Security Summit in Abuja in June 2026, as well as his open-door policy towards journalists, were among the factors that earned him the award.
He said the recognition celebrates professionalism, dedication to public service, and initiatives that promote responsible communication, mutual understanding, and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media.
The NUJ President reaffirmed the union’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with security institutions to promote peace, democracy, and national development through openness, mutual respect, and responsible journalism.
The award ceremony was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and members of the NUJ National Executive, including National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
