Tinubu Hails DSS Boss Ajayi as IPI Honours Him for Promoting Press Freedom

President says DSS is reshaping relations with journalists through dialogue and respect

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, following his recognition by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) for promoting press freedom in Nigeria.

Mr. Ajayi was honoured with a commendation award at the IPI Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, in recognition of what the organisation described as his strong commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations since assuming office.

According to the IPI, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, who was appointed DSS Director-General in late August 2024, has shown “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations,” a departure from the historically tense relationship between security agencies and the media.

The IPI noted that the award was meant not only to acknowledge Mr. Ajayi’s credentials on press freedom, but also to encourage him to do more, while inspiring other public officials, institutions, and organisations to follow his example.

Reacting to the recognition, President Tinubu welcomed the award and commended the DSS under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership for upholding citizens’ rights and carrying out its statutory duties within the bounds of the law.

The President said the DSS is gradually changing the narrative of hostility against journalists by fostering dialogue, openness, and constructive engagement with the civil populace.

He urged other security agencies and public officials to emulate the DSS approach, stressing that the media should be seen as partners in national development, rather than adversaries.

President Tinubu also encouraged the DSS to sustain the positive trajectory by continuing to create an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to discharge their professional responsibilities, in line with constitutional provisions that empower the media to hold public officials accountable.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and the protection of democratic values across the country.