Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the commendation of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute, IPI, as a timely recognition of leadership rooted in professionalism, respect for democratic ideals and protection of press freedom.
Ajayi received the recognition at the IPI’s annual conference held earlier this month in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu also acknowledged the growing and more constructive engagement between Nigeria’s security agencies and the media.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, Abiodun described the award as particularly significant, noting that it came from a respected organisation within the Fourth Estate of the Realm, known globally for its watchdog role in promoting accountability, free expression and responsible journalism.
The governor said the commendation represents a powerful endorsement of the DSS Director-General’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law and media freedom, stressing that recognition from the press community carries exceptional weight.
Abiodun noted that since his appointment, Ajayi has steered the DSS with professionalism, discipline and decency, while promoting mutual respect and understanding between security agencies and journalists.
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He said the honour underscores Ajayi’s deliberate efforts to foster constructive engagement between the media and security institutions, describing such collaboration as essential to building public trust and strengthening the collective fight against insecurity.
The governor further emphasised that democracy flourishes where the media operates freely and responsibly, adding that national development is best achieved in an environment devoid of intimidation or repression of journalists.
“This honour is well deserved and speaks volumes about the values guiding his leadership. It should serve as a motivation to public officials across the country to embrace transparency, accountability and good governance,” Abiodun said.
He expressed confidence that the existing cordial relationship between the Ogun State Government and the Department of State Services would continue to deepen, while wishing the DSS Director-General greater success in his mandate to protect national security within the framework of democratic principles.
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