The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, MON, has been honoured with the prestigious _Nation Builder Award for Excellence in Intelligence Leadership and National Security._
The award was conferred on him at the 4th Edition of the Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference and Awards 2026 held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.
The event, organised by the National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) and Vision One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI), was held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and to celebrate distinguished Nigerians who have contributed immensely to peace, unity, security and nation building.
Organisers of the event expressed appreciation to the DSS boss for honouring their invitation and celebrating Nigeria at 66 with the Civil Society Community despite his tight national schedule.
In his remarks, the National President of NACCSO and VOLDI, Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, described Mr. Ajayi as a silent achiever, a thoroughbred professional and a reform-minded intelligence chief who has redefined intelligence leadership in Nigeria.
Comrade Johnny said since assuming office on 26th August, 2024, as the first cadet in the history of the Service to rise to the pinnacle of leadership, Ajayi has brought uncommon professionalism, respect for human rights, rule of law and operational discipline to the Service.
He noted that under Ajayi’s watch, the DSS has recorded outstanding successes in intelligence-led operations, including the disruption of terrorist cells, kidnapping networks, arms trafficking rings and cybercrime syndicates, as well as strategic intelligence support that aided high-profile international joint operations.
He further lauded the DG’s landmark reforms built on strict adherence to law enforcement standards, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, accountability, respect for civil liberties including his firm ban on operatives meddling in civil disputes and no harassment or arrest of journalists, and comprehensive internal restructuring for efficiency.
According to the organisers, the Award was presented as a mark of deep appreciation from the entire Civil Society Community for his patriotic service, exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to national security and nation building.
The leadership of NACCSO and VOLDI congratulated the DSS DG on the well-deserved honour and prayed for greater wisdom, strength and success as he continues to serve the nation.
The Civil Society community also pledged continued loyalty, solidarity and support to the DSS and other security agencies, restating commitment to complementing national security through consistent advocacy against crime.
