Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has described his emergence as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a strong endorsement of the growing collaboration between Nigeria’s security agencies and the media in advancing national security and democratic governance.
Speaking after receiving the award on Monday, Ajayi said the recognition underscored the progress made in building mutual trust and constructive engagement between the DSS and journalists, adding that the honour was especially meaningful because it came from media professionals.
“I so much value this award coming from the Nigeria Union of Journalists; hence the reason I chose to receive it personally,” he said.
The DSS boss noted that since assuming office, the Service had maintained a cordial relationship with the media and pledged to sustain the partnership in the national interest.
“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,” Ajayi stated.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to press freedom, the DSS Director-General recalled his earlier assurance that there would be no arrest of journalists, stressing that the Service had remained true to that commitment.
According to him, the award would further motivate the DSS to intensify efforts to strengthen national security while supporting initiatives that enhance the professionalism and capacity of journalists.
“This award is a push for us to do more in promoting security in our country,” he added.
Earlier, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the prestigious honour in recognition of his leadership in fostering constructive engagement between the DSS and the media.
Abdullahi also cited the Service’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June as one of the factors that informed the decision.
He said the award recognised Ajayi’s professionalism, dedication to public service and efforts to promote responsible communication, institutional cooperation and mutual understanding between security agencies and the media.
The NUJ president stressed that stronger collaboration between journalists and security institutions remains vital to safeguarding democracy, promoting accountability and enhancing national stability.
The ceremony concluded with both the NUJ and the DSS reaffirming their commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and openness to advance a more secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
The event was attended by senior management officials of the Department of State Services and top executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, including National Secretary, Achike Chude, and Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike.
