NUJ Honours DSS DG Ajayi as 2026 Man of the Year, Hails Security-Media Partnership
…Says award reflects growing collaboration between the media and security agencies, reaffirms commitment to press freedom
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has described his emergence as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a recognition of the growing partnership between the nation’s security agencies and the media in promoting national development and security.
The position was conveyed in a media release issued by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and signed by its National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi.
Receiving the award on Monday, Ajayi expressed gratitude to the NUJ, saying the honour was particularly significant because it came from Nigeria’s umbrella body of journalists.
He noted that the award reflects the cordial relationship the DSS has built with the media since he assumed office, stressing that the Service remains committed to sustaining the partnership.
“I so much value this award coming from the Nigeria Union of Journalists; hence the reason I chose to receive it personally. 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 said.
The DSS Director-General reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to press freedom, recalling his public pledge that journalists would not be arbitrarily arrested by the agency.
According to him, the Service has remained faithful to that commitment while working to strengthen collaboration with media practitioners.
“The accolade serves as a push for us to do more in promoting security in our country,” he added, pledging continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of journalists.
Earlier, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi disclosed that the Union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the prestigious award in recognition of his leadership and support for constructive engagement between the DSS and the media.
He explained that one of the major considerations for the honour was the DSS’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June 2026, as well as the Director-General’s efforts in strengthening communication and cooperation between the Service and journalists.
“The award celebrates professionalism, dedication to public service, and initiatives that reinforce mutual understanding, responsible communication, and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the honour reflects the Union’s appreciation of leaders who promote openness, professionalism and collaboration in advancing national interests.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment by the NUJ and the Department of State Services to deepen institutional partnerships that would foster national security, democratic values and sustainable development through mutual respect and constructive engagement.
The event was attended by senior management officials of the DSS and top executives of the NUJ, including the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, and the Chairman of the NUJ Federal Capital Territory Council, Comrade Grace Ike.
