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

Mr Ajayi received a commendation award at the annual conference of the respected journalism organisation held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja.

According to the IPI, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has shown a clear commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations since his appointment as Director-General of the DSS in late August 2024.

The organisation noted that the award was not only to acknowledge his press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to do more and inspire other officials, institutions and organisations to emulate his example.

President Tinubu welcomed the recognition and commended the DSS Director-General for promoting press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights and discharging his duties within the bounds of the law.

The President observed that the DSS, under Mr Ajayi’s leadership, is changing the narrative of hostility towards members of the press and fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace.

He urged other security agencies and officials to emulate the DSS approach by engaging the media as partners rather than adversaries.

President Tinubu also encouraged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating a more enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional duties, in line with the constitutional role of the media in holding public officials to account.