President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition by the International Press Institute (IPI) as a champion of press freedom.
The President welcomes the commendation, which is presented at the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, noting that the award reflects growing respect for journalists and media organisations under Ajayi’s leadership, Mediaplusng.com reports.
The IPI says since his appointment in August 2024, the DSS Director-General demonstrates a clear commitment to press freedom, dialogue, and lawful engagement with the media. The organisation explains that the recognition is meant not only to acknowledge his record but also to encourage higher standards across public institutions.
President Tinubu commends the DSS leadership for promoting citizens’ rights and operating within the bounds of the law, adding that the Service is helping to change the narrative of hostility between security agencies and the press, according to Mediaplusng.com.
The President notes that a free and responsible press remains central to democracy and accountability, stressing that constructive engagement between security agencies and journalists strengthens national stability.
Tinubu urges other security agencies and public officials to emulate the DSS approach by treating the media as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries.
He also encourages the DSS to sustain its efforts in creating an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to carry out their constitutional duty of holding public officials accountable, while operating responsibly and professionally.
The President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to press freedom, rule of law, and open governance, describing these values as essential pillars of Nigeria’s democratic development.
