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• as Ajayi pledges to champion media freedom across security agencies
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, as a beacon of press freedom following his commendation by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
In a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the accolade came during the IPI’s Annual Conference on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, where Ajayi was honoured for reshaping the agency’s approach to journalists since his appointment in late August 2024.
The IPI highlighted his leadership, stating: “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 body further explained: “We do so 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.”
Tinubu welcomed the award and commended Ajayi for safeguarding citizens’ rights, adhering to the law, and fostering dialogue over confrontation with the media.
The President noted that the DSS under Ajayi is “changing the narrative of hostility against members of the press and creating an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace.”
Tinubu urged other security outfits to view media as partners, not foes, and charged the DSS to maintain momentum in supporting journalists’ constitutional role to hold officials accountable.
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Meanwhile, responding to the IPI award, Ajayi pledged in a December 19th letter to IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed to “champion fair treatment of journalists and create a conducive atmosphere for them to carry out their legitimate duties, in line with the drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to protect all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or profession.”
He disclosed: “I have initiated further engagements with my colleagues and heads of other security agencies to prioritise the protection and fair treatment of members of the press across the country.”
Ajayi also commended IPI Nigeria for promoting responsible reportage on national security issues and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing cooperation.
In a statement by the institute’s Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, IPI Nigeria detailed Ajayi’s track record, noting: “Unlike in previous years, when the SSS was notorious for serial harassment, intimidation, and arrests of journalists, the agency under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership has shown remarkable restraint, professionalism, and openness to dialogue. Conflicts between the Service and the media are now resolved amicably through engagement rather than coercion.”
Key examples included the swift release of journalist Adejuwon Soyinka in Lagos shortly after Ajayi’s appointment, resolution of veteran journalist Lanre Arogundade’s long-standing border harassment, administrative bail and case withdrawal for an Order Paper staffer over a National Assembly report, collaborative settlement of a Lagos Assembly dispute, and disciplinary action plus apology for the arrest of two Jay 101.9 FM journalists in Jos.
