Barely five months after the International Press Institute honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, with an award for championing press freedom, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria,BON, has again recognised him with the Friend of the Media Award.
Ajayi was among the special awardees at the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards Night held on Wednesday in Abuja, where BON described him as a consummate professional who has demonstrated remarkable respect for the media since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Presenting the organisation’s position, Chairman of the BON steering committee, Bayo Awosemo, said the DSS Director-General had distinguished himself through his professional conduct and constructive relationship with media stakeholders. Awosemo, who was also honoured for exemplary leadership, received the award on Ajayi’s behalf.
Also recognised at the event were the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and former Executive Secretary of BON, Obadiah Tohomdet, for their support for the media industry.
The latest recognition comes months after Ajayi was honoured by the International Press Institute on December 2 for upholding press freedom and fostering a stronger relationship with the media.
That award, presented during the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, acknowledged Ajayi’s commitment to respecting journalists and improving the relationship between the security agency and the media since assuming office in August 2024.
Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising diligence, professionalism and meaningful contributions to society.
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“I believe the media has a role to play in shaping everything that we do, not just in Nigeria but all over the world,” he said.
Idris, who served as chief host, commended BON for initiating and sustaining the awards programme.
BON remains one of Nigeria’s foremost media bodies, serving as the umbrella organisation for chief executive officers of more than 300 broadcast stations across the country.
Crediblenewsng.com
