Harry Archie
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has described his recognition as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a testament to the growing partnership between national security agencies and the media.
Speaking after receiving the award on Monday, Ajayi expressed gratitude to the NUJ, saying the honour reflects the strong working 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.
“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 boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his pledge that there would be “no arrest of journalists.”
He said the Service has remained faithful to that commitment while stressing that the recognition would encourage the agency to do more in promoting national security.
Ajayi further pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of journalists.
Earlier, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the prestigious honour.
According to Abdullahi, the award was in recognition of the DSS Director-General’s efforts to strengthen engagement with the media and the agency’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.
He noted that the award celebrates professionalism, commitment to public service and initiatives that promote mutual understanding, responsible communication and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media.
Abdullahi added that the NUJ remains committed to deepening collaboration with security institutions in the interest of a secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
The award presentation was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and members of the NUJ National Executive Council, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
