By Odita Sunday
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 the nation’s security agencies and the media.
Receiving the award, Ajayi expressed gratitude to the NUJ, saying the recognition reflected the cordial relationship the DSS has built with 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.
According to him, “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.”
The DSS Director-General also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his pledge that there would be “no arrest of journalists.”
He said the Service had remained faithful to that commitment, adding that the award would serve as “a push for us to do more in promoting security in our country.”
Ajayi further pledged the DSS’ continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of journalists.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, disclosed that the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected the DSS boss for the prestigious award.
He said the decision was informed by Ajayi’s efforts to strengthen media engagement and the DSS’ support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.
Abdullahi noted that the honour recognises professionalism, dedication to public service and initiatives that have strengthened mutual understanding, responsible communication and institutional cooperation between the media and security agencies.
He added that the union remains committed to deepening collaboration with security institutions in pursuit of a secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria founded on mutual respect and openness.
The event was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and top NUJ executives, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
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