The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has described his recognition 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 on Monday, Mr Ajayi expressed appreciation to the NUJ, saying the honour reflected the productive relationship that has developed between the DSS and the media since he assumed office.
“I deeply value this award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, which is why 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 wherever possible for the development of our country.”
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to press freedom, the DSS Director-General recalled his public pledge that there would be “no arrest of journalists”, noting that the Service has remained faithful to that commitment.
He added that the award would further motivate the DSS to strengthen national security efforts while continuing to support professional capacity-building for journalists.
Earlier, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the Union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Mr Ajayi for the prestigious honour.
He explained that the award recognised the DSS Director-General’s leadership in strengthening engagement with the media and acknowledged the Service’s significant support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June.
According to Abdullahi, the honour celebrates professionalism, dedication to public service and initiatives that have strengthened mutual understanding, responsible communication, and institutional cooperation between the media and security agencies.
He stated that the partnership has contributed to promoting national security, democratic values and public trust.
The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment by the NUJ to deepen collaboration with security institutions in pursuit of a more secure, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria founded on mutual respect, openness, and constructive engagement.
The event was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and members of the NUJ National Executive Council, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
