0
When excellence meets courage, integrity and passion and given the opportunity to serve, extraordinary leadership emerges.
Such is the story of Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the recipient of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man-of-the-Year 2026 Award.
For him, the national call to duty has never been merely an opportunity to serve his fatherland. It has been a mission to positively redefine the nation’s security landscape while building upon the enduring legacy entrusted to his leadership.
From the moment he assumed office, he demonstrated exceptional vision, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to national security. Supported by a dedicated team of professionals, he has continued to strengthen the effectiveness and public image of the Service through professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.
Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, the Director-General of the Security Services (DGSS), is widely regarded as a visionary, courageous, disciplined, and accomplished security professional whose distinguished career has prepared him for the enormous responsibility of leading one of Nigeria’s foremost intelligence institutions.
His extensive experience in intelligence and national security, coupled with years of professional training and operational excellence, has distinguished him as an outstanding leader committed to safeguarding the nation’s peace, stability, and democratic values.
One of the defining hallmarks of his administration has been the remarkable improvement in the relationship between the Department of State Services and the media. Recognising the indispensable role of a free and responsible press in nation-building, Ajayi has consistently promoted constructive engagement with journalists and media organisations across Nigeria.
Under his leadership, the Service has fostered a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, led by its National President, Alhassan Yahya. This unprecedented collaboration has strengthened trust, encouraged dialogue, and promoted responsible reporting on national security issues while reinforcing respect for the constitutional role of the media in a democratic society.
Following his appointment in 2024, Ajayi, in a communication to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, expressed his commitment to championing the fair treatment of journalists and creating a conducive environment for media professionals to carry out their legitimate constitutional responsibilities. His administration has continued to encourage professionalism, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law in interactions between security personnel and media practitioners.
This exceptional relationship with journalists across the country and the Nigeria Union of Journalists has earned him widespread admiration within the media community. It is this outstanding commitment to press freedom, professional engagement, national security, and institutional partnership that informed the decision of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to confer on Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, the prestigious NUJ Man of the Year 2026 Award.
Speaking during the presentation of the award, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ., Alhassan Yahya, commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services for fostering an unprecedented and cordial relationship with journalists across Nigeria. He called on other security agencies to emulate the exemplary leadership of the DGSS by shunning the unlawful arrest, harassment, and detention of journalists, while recognising media professionals as indispensable partners in national development, democratic governance, and the promotion of peace and security.
The award is a recognition not only of his exemplary leadership of the Department of State Services but also of his unwavering dedication to strengthening the partnership between the nation’s security institutions and the media in the collective interest of Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Ajayi expressed profound gratitude to the Nigeria Union of Journalists for the honour, describing the award as both humbling and inspiring. He pledged to continue serving Nigeria with loyalty, integrity, and unwavering commitment while assuring the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, of his determination to continue working with journalists and other stakeholders in promoting national peace, security, and the safety of all Nigerians.
He dedicated the award to the officers and personnel of the Department of State Services, acknowledging their professionalism, sacrifice, dedication, and teamwork in the discharge of their responsibilities. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in earning and sustaining the confidence, trust, and respect of the Nigerian people.
He also urged journalists to continue upholding the ethics of their profession, reminding them that national interest should always guide responsible journalism. In his memorable words:
“While you strive to break the news, do not break the country.”
