The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has described his emergence as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a validation of the growing collaboration between security agencies and the media.
Ajayi stated this on Monday after receiving the award, expressing appreciation to the NUJ for the recognition, which he said reflects the synergy established 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 agency’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his earlier pledge of “no arrest of journalists,” which he said the Service has strictly upheld.
He added that the award would serve as motivation for the DSS to intensify efforts toward enhancing national security while supporting professional development within the media sector.
Earlier, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the honour.
Abdullahi cited Ajayi’s leadership in strengthening media engagement and the DSS’s support during the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June as key factors behind the decision.
He noted that the award recognises professionalism, dedication to public service, and efforts that promote mutual understanding, responsible communication, and institutional cooperation between the media and security agencies.
The NUJ president added that the union remains committed to deepening partnerships that will enhance national security, democratic values, and transparency.
The event was attended by senior management staff of the DSS and top NUJ officials, including National Secretary Achike Chude and FCT Council Chairman Grace Ike.