Tinubu congratulates DSS DG Ajayi on IPI press freedom award
By: Zagazola Makama
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).
Ajayi was honoured with a commendation award at the Annual Conference of the IPI, held on Dec. 2 in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President welcomed the award and commended the DSS Director-General for promoting press freedom, upholding citizens’ rights and discharging his responsibilities within the bounds of the law.
The IPI, in announcing the award, said that since his appointment as DSS Director-General in late August 2024, Ajayi had demonstrated “an unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”
According to the organisation, the commendation was intended 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 said the DSS under Ajayi was changing the narrative of hostility against members of the press and fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and robust engagement with the civil populace.
He encouraged other security agencies and officials to engage the media as partners rather than adversaries, noting that such cooperation was essential for democratic governance.
The President also urged the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their professional duties, in line with constitutional provisions empowering the media to hold public officials accountable.
