DG DSS Ajayi Describes NUJ Honour as a Triumph for Security-Media Partnership
By Goodness Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has described the conferment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 Award on him as a resounding validation of the collaboration between national security agencies and the media.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Mr. Ajayi expressed profound appreciation to the union, stating that the recognition underscores the synergy built between the DSS and the media 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,” Mr. Ajayi said.
“Since assuming office, the media has been a friend of the Service, and we will continue to partner in areas where we can for the development of the country.”
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to press freedom, the Director-General recalled his public pledge of “no arrest of journalists,” noting that the DSS has strictly adhered to that principle. He added that the accolade serves as “a push for us to do more in promoting security in our country,” while pledging continued support for the professional capacity-building of journalists.
Earlier, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, revealed that the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Mr. Ajayi for the honour. He cited the Director-General’s leadership in strengthening media engagement and the DSS’s invaluable support during the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June as key factors behind the decision.
Comrade Abdullahi noted that the award celebrates professionalism, dedication to public service, and initiatives that reinforce mutual understanding, responsible communication, and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge by the NUJ to deepen institutional partnerships aimed at fostering a secure, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria through mutual respect and openness.
The event was attended by senior management staff of the DSS and top national executives of the NUJ, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
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A few key corrections include changing “Adeooa” to “Adeola” (if that is the intended spelling), “since assuming office” to “since he assumed office” for smoother flow, correcting possessives such as “Service’s” and “DSS’s”, and standardizing punctuation, titles, and capitalization throughout.
