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 strong endorsement of the growing partnership between the nation’s security agencies and the media.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ajayi expressed gratitude to the NUJ, saying the recognition reflected the strengthened relationship between the DSS and 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 Director-General reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his pledge that there would be “no arrest of journalists” and stressing that the agency had remained faithful to that commitment.
According to him, the honour would further motivate the DSS to intensify efforts at promoting national security while continuing to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of journalists.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, disclosed that the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the prestigious award.
Abdullahi said the decision was informed by the DSS chief’s leadership in strengthening engagement with the media and the Service’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.
He noted that the award recognises Ajayi’s professionalism, commitment to public service and efforts to foster mutual understanding, responsible communication and institutional cooperation between the media and security agencies.
The NUJ President added that the union remains committed to deepening collaboration with security institutions to promote a safer, more democratic and prosperous Nigeria through openness, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
The award ceremony was attended by senior officials of the DSS and members of the NUJ national leadership, including National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and Chairman of the NUJ Federal Capital Territory Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
