By Ola Kay
The Nigeria Union of Journalists ,NUJ, has honoured the Director‑General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, following what the union described as his leadership role in strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the media.
The secret police boss got the award at the end of a two-day National Security Summit organised by the NUJ in partnership with the security organization in Abuja.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Al‑Hassan Yahaya, stated at a news conference in the FCT that the decision to honour the DSS DG underscores an evidence that partnership, openness and mutual respect between the media and security institutions remain vital to protecting lives, preserving democracy and advancing nation building.
According to the NUJ National President, under Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS has continued to ensure a consistent and constructive interaction with media, which paved the way for channels that reduce suspicion, mitigate misinformation and strengthen mutual solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The NUJ president noted that the award is a recognition of Ajayi’s leadership in fostering engagement, transparency, and partnership between the media and security institutions.
The union argued that the security agency under the current leadership has maintained regular engagement with media stakeholders, helping to improve mutual understanding towards addressing the nation’s security concerns.
The union also emphasized that the existing collaboration is critical to protecting human lives, preserving democracy, advancing national development.
The NUJ boss stressed that national security is a collective responsibility that calls for ethical and professional journalism as well as accurate dissemination and collaboration among stakeholders.
Chairman of the summit and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris,commended the media and security agencies for their complementary roles in safeguarding Nigeria.
The media harped on professionalism, continued collaboration and trust, while reassuring of the Federal Government’s determination to intelligence-driven security operations, inter-agency partnership, technological advancement and community-based approaches to addressing security challenges.
At the event, participants reiterated the media’s role in supporting national security efforts through accurate reporting and strategic communication.
The summit commended the DSS leadership for creating a collaborative environment that lend itself to engaging discussions on national security.
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