President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, following his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
The president’s message was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Ajayi received the award during the IPI Annual Conference held on Dec. 2 in Abuja, in recognition of his approach to media relations since assuming office.
According to the IPI, the DSS boss has consistently demonstrated respect for journalists and media organisations since his appointment in late August 2024, a development the institute described as encouraging for press freedom in the country.
The organisation explained that the honour was meant to promote stronger institutional commitment to media freedom and responsible engagement with the press.
President Tinubu welcomed the recognition, praising the leadership of the DSS for promoting press freedom and safeguarding citizens’ rights in line with the rule of law.
He noted that under Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS was redefining its relationship with the media through dialogue and constructive engagement, rather than confrontation.
The president also urged other security agencies to see journalists as partners in nation-building and not as adversaries.
He further encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in fostering an enabling environment that allows journalists to carry out their constitutional duties without hindrance.