Tinubu applauds DSS Director-General Ajayi for IPI Press Freedom Award

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom, urging the secret police to sustain fostering a more enabling environment for Nigerian journalists and media professionals to perform their constitutional duties

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), on his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).

IPI Nigeria had honoured Ajayi with a commendation award at its Annual Conference held December 2, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

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In regard to why the Director-General of DSS  deserved the recognition, IPI Nigeria said: “Since he was appointed Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) in late August 2024, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has demonstrated an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.

“We do so not only to acknowledge his commendable press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to do even more, and to inspire other officials, institutions, and organisations to emulate his example.”

President Tinubu welcomed the IPI award, and commended Ajayi for ensuring press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights, and discharging duties within the bounds of the law.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement, said President Tinubu affirmed that the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership, is changing the narrative of hostility against members of the press, and creating an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace.

The statement also noted President Tinubu encouraged other security agencies and officials to emulate the DSS example, and engage the media as partners, not adversaries.

The Nigerian leader further encouraged the DSS to keep up the good work, and not to relent in fostering a more enabling environment for journalists and media professionals to perform their professional duties in consonance with the constitutional provision empowering the media to hold all officials to account in the economy.