Civil Society Honours DSS Boss Ajayi for Intelligence Leadership

The civil society community has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, with the Nation Builder Award for Excellence in Intelligence Leadership and National Security in recognition of his contributions to national security and nation building.

The award was presented at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference and Awards held on Friday in Abuja.

The conference and awards ceremony were organised by the National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) and the Vision One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI) to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and recognise individuals whose contributions have advanced peace, unity, security and national development.

Speaking at the event, the National President of NACCSO and VOLDI, Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, described Ajayi as a silent achiever, a seasoned professional and a reform-minded intelligence chief who has brought renewed focus to intelligence leadership in Nigeria.

Johnny said that since assuming office on August 26, 2024, the DSS Director-General had pursued measures to strengthen professionalism, operational discipline, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law within the Service.

He also highlighted Ajayi’s career progression, describing him as the first cadet in the history of the Service to rise to its highest leadership position.

According to Johnny, the DSS has recorded notable successes in intelligence-led operations under Ajayi’s leadership, including operations targeting terrorist cells, kidnapping networks, arms trafficking rings and cybercrime syndicates.

He also cited the Service’s strategic intelligence support for high-profile international joint operations as part of its contributions to addressing security threats.

The NACCSO and VOLDI president further commended Ajayi for reforms aimed at strengthening institutional accountability, improving operational efficiency and enhancing collaboration among security agencies.

Among the measures highlighted were efforts to prevent DSS operatives from interfering in civil disputes, promote respect for civil liberties and prevent the harassment or arrest of journalists. He also pointed to internal restructuring initiatives intended to improve the Service’s effectiveness.

The organisers said the award represented the civil society community’s appreciation of Ajayi’s leadership, public service and contributions to national security and nation building.

They also expressed gratitude to the DSS Director-General for accepting their invitation and joining the civil society community in celebrating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary despite his demanding official schedule.

The leadership of NACCSO and VOLDI congratulated Ajayi on the recognition and wished him continued wisdom, strength and success in discharging his responsibilities.

The civil society community also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the DSS and other security agencies through advocacy, public engagement and sustained efforts to raise awareness against crime.

The organisers stressed the importance of continued collaboration between civil society organisations and security agencies in promoting public safety, strengthening national security and advancing national development.