Tinubu Congratulates DSS DG Ajayi on IPI Press Freedom Award
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.
Ajayi received a commendation award at the IPI Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, in acknowledgement of his leadership style and commitment to protecting media freedom since his appointment as DSS Director-General in August 2024.
In its citation, the IPI noted that Ajayi has demonstrated “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations,” adding that the award was meant not only to recognise his credentials but also to encourage him to do more and inspire other public officials and institutions to follow his example.
President Tinubu welcomed the honour, describing it as a positive affirmation of the DSS leadership’s resolve to uphold citizens’ rights while discharging its statutory responsibilities within the bounds of the law.
The President said the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership is changing the narrative of hostility towards journalists, fostering dialogue, and promoting robust engagement with the media and the wider civil populace.
Tinubu urged other security agencies and public officials to emulate the DSS approach by engaging the media as partners rather than adversaries, stressing the critical role of the press in a democratic society.
He also encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional duties, in line with constitutional provisions that empower the media to hold public officials accountable.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
