The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has described his recognition as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year 2026 as a validation of the growing partnership between the nation’s security agencies and the media, saying the Service has remained faithful to its pledge of “no arrest of journalists.”

Receiving the award, Ajayi said the honour from the country’s umbrella body of journalists was particularly significant, stressing that he deliberately chose to accept it in person because of the value he attaches to the recognition.

“I so much value this award coming from the Nigeria Union of Journalists; hence the reason I chose to receive it personally,” he said.

According to him, the relationship between the DSS and the media has witnessed remarkable improvement since he assumed office, adding that the Service remains committed to working closely with journalists in the interest of national development.

“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,” he stated.

The DSS chief also reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting press freedom, recalling his pledge that journalists would not be subjected to arbitrary arrests by the Service.

Reaffirming that the agency has kept faith with that commitment, Ajayi said the award would further motivate the DSS to strengthen national security while supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing journalists’ professional capacity.

He described the recognition as “a push for us to do more in promoting security in our country.”

Earlier, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, said the union’s National Executive Council unanimously selected Ajayi for the prestigious honour in recognition of his efforts at improving relations between the DSS and the media.

He noted that the DG’s leadership in deepening media engagement and the Service’s support for the NUJ National Security Summit held in Abuja in June were among the major considerations for the award.

According to Abdullahi, the honour recognises professionalism, dedication to public service and initiatives that have strengthened mutual understanding, responsible communication and institutional cooperation between security agencies and the media.

He added that the award also reflects the union’s appreciation of efforts to foster trust and constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.