The Centre for Public Integrity has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his prestigious conferment with The Sun ‘Courage in Leadership Award.’ In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the organization praised Mr Ajayi's ongoing institutional reforms, which have redefined secret service operations in Nigeria through strict adherence to constitutionalism, professionalism, and democratic accountability.
According to the Centre, the award is a national validation of Mr Ajayi's leadership, which has brought about a paradigm shift within the nation's premier domestic intelligence agency since President Bola Tinubu appointed him as DG. The Centre noted that Mr Ajayi has successfully steered the DSS away from traditional strong-arm perceptions toward a sophisticated, intelligence-driven, and citizen-respecting agency.
The Centre highlighted the hallmarks of the current administration, citing remarkable operational milestones in neutralizing complex security threats, dismantling transnational arms syndicates, and preempting asymmetric attacks through covert, surgical intelligence gathering. The group applauded the Service's unprecedented respect for the rule of law and judicial authority, describing it as a watershed moment in Nigeria's democratic evolution.
Under Mr Ajayi's watch, the Service has secured landmark judicial victories through diligent, evidence-based prosecution and exhibited institutional maturity by obeying court orders, reviewing past operational excesses, and ensuring the payment of court-mandated compensations to citizens previously affected by wrongful arrests or prolonged detention. The Centre emphasized that this approach represents the gold standard of modern intelligence leadership.
The Centre praised Mr Ajayi for strengthening inter-agency synergy, opening constructive channels with civil society and the media, and prioritizing personnel welfare, thereby elevating the DSS into a formidable pillar of national stability. The group urged Mr Ajayi to view the accolade as an inspiration for greater national service.
The Centre called on other heads of security and law enforcement agencies to emulate Mr Ajayi's template of transparent, accountable, and rights-based leadership. The organization emphasized that Nigeria requires precisely this brand of courageous, cerebral, and law-abiding stewardship to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and democracy.
The Centre for Public Integrity concluded by congratulating the Director-General on this well-deserved recognition, expressing hope that it will inspire greater national service. The award is seen as a testament to Mr Ajayi's commitment to modernizing the DSS and promoting democratic accountability.
Key points
- Centre for Public Integrity praises DSS DG Oluwatosin Ajayi for institutional reforms and commitment to constitutionalism.
- The Sun 'Courage in Leadership Award' is seen as a national validation of Mr Ajayi's leadership and reforms within the DSS.
- The Centre calls on other security and law enforcement agencies to emulate Mr Ajayi's transparent and rights-based leadership.
