By Chiemeka Ugwowo, Abuja
DSS boss receives NUJ man of the year 2026 award, highlights media-security partnership
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has received the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 award, describing the recognition as a symbol of the growing relationship between the media and security institutions.
Ajayi, who personally received the award on Monday, expressed appreciation to the NUJ, saying the honour reflects the confidence and cooperation built between the DSS and journalists since he assumed leadership of the Service.
The DSS Director-General said the decision to personally receive the award was because of the value he places on the recognition from the nation’s foremost journalists’ body.
“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.
He reaffirmed the DSS commitment to protecting press freedom, stressing that the Service remains guided by his earlier pledge of “no arrest of journalists.”
Ajayi added that the award would serve as motivation for the DSS to strengthen its role in safeguarding the nation while supporting efforts to enhance the professional growth of journalists.
Presenting the award, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi said the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the honour in recognition of his commitment to improved media engagement and cooperation.
Abdullahi noted that the award also acknowledged the DSS support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June, describing it as a significant step towards building trust and understanding between security agencies and the media.
He said the recognition celebrates professionalism, dedication to public service and initiatives that promote responsible communication and national unity.
The NUJ president assured that the union would continue to strengthen partnerships with security institutions in the interest of a secure, democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by senior DSS officials and members of the NUJ National Executive Council, including National Secretary Comrade Achike Chude and NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike.
