The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the chief executive of Ogun State in south west Nigeria, has congratulated the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, following his commendation by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute, a globally respected media freedom advocacy organization.
The governor described the recognition as a strong affirmation of professionalism, institutional maturity, and respect for democratic values within Nigeria’s security framework, particularly at a time when the relationship between the press and security agencies remains critical to national stability.
Okay News reports that Mr Ajayi received the commendation during the annual conference of the International Press Institute, held earlier in the month in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital territory, where President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also acknowledged the evolving engagement between security agencies and the media community.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State in south west Nigeria, Governor Abiodun said the award was particularly significant because it was conferred by a respected institution within the Fourth Estate of the Realm, globally recognized for its watchdog role in protecting press freedom and democratic accountability.
According to the governor, the commendation represents an “unassailable verdict” on the commitment of the Department of State Services Director General to human rights, freedom of expression, and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of national security responsibilities.
Governor Abiodun further noted that since assuming office, Mr Ajayi has anchored his leadership philosophy on professionalism, decency, and discipline, while deliberately fostering mutual respect and constructive engagement between journalists and security operatives across the country.
“The award conferred on the Department of State Services Director General by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute is a clear acknowledgement of his efforts in promoting constructive engagement between the media and security agencies, with the ultimate aim of building a united and resilient front against insecurity,” the governor said.
He added that the recognition reinforces the importance of a free, vibrant, and responsible media as a cornerstone of democratic governance, stressing that sustainable national development can only thrive in an environment where journalists operate without fear of intimidation or repression.
“This honour is well deserved. It serves as an inspiration to public officials across the country to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Abiodun stated.
The governor also expressed confidence that collaboration between the Ogun State Government and the Department of State Services would continue to strengthen, while wishing Mr Ajayi success in his ongoing responsibility to safeguard Nigeria’s national security in line with democratic principles and constitutional values.
