DSS DG dedicates NUJ Man of the Year Award to stronger security-media partnership

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 testament to the growing partnership between the media and Nigeria’s security agencies.

Speaking after receiving the award on Monday, Ajayi expressed gratitude to the NUJ, saying the honour reflects the improved relationship between the DSS and the media 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 reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his earlier pledge that journalists would not be arrested in the course of their legitimate duties.

According to him, the DSS has remained faithful to that commitment, adding that the recognition would further motivate the agency to strengthen national security and support initiatives aimed at improving journalists’ professional capacity.

“This award is a push for us to do more in promoting security in our country,” Ajayi said.

Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, disclosed that the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected the DSS Director-General for the prestigious award.

He said the decision was informed by Ajayi’s leadership in fostering stronger engagement with the media and the DSS’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.

Abdullahi noted that the award recognises professionalism, dedication to public service and efforts that have strengthened mutual understanding, responsible communication and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media.

He added that the honour also reflects the union’s appreciation of initiatives that promote constructive engagement in the interest of national development.

The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment by the NUJ and the DSS to deepen collaboration in promoting security, democracy and national development through openness, mutual respect and responsible communication.

The event was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and top executives of the NUJ, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.