President Bola Tinubu has officially congratulated Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), following his recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI). The President’s commendation was issued through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu congratulates DSS DG Oluwatosin Ajayi on IPI Press Freedom Award.’

​Mr. Ajayi was presented with the commendation award at the IPI’s annual conference in Abuja on December 2, 2025. According to the IPI, the Director-General has demonstrated a consistent commitment to media freedom and respect for journalists since taking office in late August 2024. The organization noted that the award was intended both to acknowledge his achievements and to encourage other institutions to follow his lead in fostering a transparent environment for the media.

​In his reaction, President Tinubu praised the DSS chief for ensuring that the agency operates within the bounds of the law while upholding the fundamental rights of citizens. Through his spokesperson, the President affirmed that the DSS is actively changing the narrative of hostility that previously existed between security forces and the press. He highlighted that under Ajayi’s leadership, the agency has prioritized dialogue and robust engagement with the public, and he urged other security officials to adopt this professional example.

​