By Our Correspondent

National News – The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, alongside the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has been honoured by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) for their contributions to strengthening the Nigerian media industry.

The recognition was announced during the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards Night held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The awards celebrated individuals and public officials who have demonstrated support for media development and press freedom in Nigeria.

Ajayi received the “Friend of the Media” award for his role in improving relations between the DSS and media organisations since assuming office.

According to BON, the DSS boss has shown professionalism and respect for journalists since his appointment by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2024.

The award was received on his behalf by the chairman of the BON steering committee, Bayo Awosemo.

Other notable recipients included the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and a former Executive Secretary of BON, Obadiah Tohomdet.

The awards were presented to acknowledge their efforts in promoting media growth, professional standards, and communication between government institutions and broadcast organisations.

The honour for Ajayi comes barely five months after the International Press Institute also recognised him for championing press freedom.

At its annual conference held in Abuja on December 2, the institute praised his commitment to ensuring better engagement between security agencies and journalists across the country.

Speaking after receiving his award, Lawal commended BON for recognising individuals who contribute to societal progress through leadership and professionalism.

He emphasised that the media plays a vital role in shaping governance, public accountability, and democratic development in Nigeria and around the world.

The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, an umbrella body representing chief executives of more than 300 broadcast media organisations nationwide, said the awards initiative aims to encourage stronger collaboration between the government, security institutions, and the media sector.