Barely five months after the International Press Institute (IPI), honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS DG), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, with an Award for Championing Press Freedom, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has adjudged him Friend of The Media.
Blueprint reports that Mr. Ajayi was one of the special awardees at the at the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards Night orgamised by BON Wednesday night in Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that the organisers described him as a thoroughbred professional, who since his appointment by President Tinubu, has displayed utmost respect for the media.
The Head of the Steering Committee, BON, Bayo Awosemo, who was also honoured for his exemplary leadership, received the award in the DSS DG’s stead.
Recognised alongside the DSS boss was the Governor of Zamfara state, Dr. Dauda Lawal, his Cross River state counterpart, Senator Bassy Otu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, a former Executive Secretary of BON, Mr Obadiah Tohomdet, all for their support to the media industry.
Mr Ajayi, on December 2, was honoured by the IPI for upholding press freedom and fostering a better relationship with the media.
The award, presented at the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, recognised his commitment to respecting journalists and improving the security agency’s interactions with the media since his appointment in August 2024.
In his remark, on behalf of the award recipients, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, thanked the organisers for recognising hardwork, professionalism and impactful contribution in society.
“I believe the media has a role to play in shaping everything that we do, not just in Nigeria but all over the world,” Lawal stated.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was the chief host, also commended BON for conceiving and sustaining the initiative.
BON is one of the foremost media organizations and an umbrella body representing Chief Executive Officers of over 300 broadcast media houses across Nigeria.
