The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has named and honoured the Director‑General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, as ‘Man of the year.’

This is contained in a statement by the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya, on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the honour was for Mr Ajayi’s leadership in strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the media.

He stated, “The NUJ’s decision to honour Ajayi was framed as an affirmation that partnership, openness and mutual respect between the media and security institutions are vital to protecting lives, preserving democratic space and advancing nation‑building.”

According to Mr Yahaya the just-concluded two‑day National Security Summit held in Abuja with the theme “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building” was organised by the NUJ in collaboration with the SSS.

He said it attracted media executives, journalists, chiefs of security and intelligence agencies, policymakers, academics, civil society actors and development partners.

Mr Yahaya explained that delegates met from June 18 to June 19 to deliberate on how strategic communication, responsible journalism and coordinated security responses can jointly advance national stability.

He added, “The investiture recognised more than a title: it honoured a leadership approach that values engagement, transparency and partnership.

Key recommendations adopted at the summit included institutionalising structured dialogue between media and security agencies and improving proactive and transparent communication from security services.

“Others are, strengthening fact‑checking and ethical standards in journalism, expanding joint training for journalists and security communicators, and integrating summit outcomes into national security frameworks.” 

(NAN)