Barely five months after the International Press Institute (IPI), honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS DG), Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, with an Award for Championing Press Freedom, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has again adjudged him Friend of The Media.
BON made its position known at the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards Night Wednesday in Abuja. Mr. Ajayi was one of the special awardees, describing 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.
Recognized 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 for their support to the media industry.
Recall that, on December 2, the IPI honoured Mr Ajayi, for upholding “Press Freedom” and fostering a better relationship with the media.
The award, presented at the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, recognized Ajayi’s commitment to respecting journalists and improving the security agency’s interactions with the media since his appointment in August 2024.
In his remarks, 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, 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.
