President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the director-general of the State Security Service, Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his recognition as a champion of press freedom.

He was honoured by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute.

The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

Mr Ajayi received the award at the IPI Annual Conference held on December 2 in Abuja.

According to the IPI, the SSS director-general has demonstrated a strong commitment to press freedom since his appointment in late August 2024.

“Since his appointment, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has shown unmistakable respect for journalists and media organisations,” the IPI said.

The organisation said the award was intended to encourage greater institutional respect for media freedom.

Mr Tinubu welcomed the recognition and commended the SSS leadership for upholding press freedom and citizens’ rights within the rule of law.

He said the SSS under Mr Ajayi was changing the narrative of hostility towards the media through dialogue and constructive engagement.

The president urged other security agencies to engage journalists as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries.

He also encouraged the SSS to sustain its efforts to create an enabling environment for journalists to discharge their constitutional responsibilities. 

(NAN)