By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has honored the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, with its _National Merit Award_ for his contributions to national security, peace, and stability.
The award, titled _“Icon of Peace, Safety, and Progress in Nigeria,”_ was presented at the Service Headquarters in Abuja by Mr. Benjamin Bulus, along with the Students Desk Officer, Mr. Agada Moses, and other senior officers of the Service.
Immediate Past President of NAPS, Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, who signed the statement, stated that the presentation was originally scheduled for the NAPS Wrap-Up National Polytechnic Students Summit held on July 23, 2026, at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City but was rescheduled due to the DG’s unavoidable absence.
According to Oghayan, the honor recognized Ajayi’s leadership and the DSS’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding lives and property and to providing a secure environment for students, campuses, and communities across Nigeria.
The association particularly praised the Service for its proactive intelligence gathering, assessment, dissemination, and effective inter-agency coordination.
“NAPS acknowledged that the peaceful conduct of its National Convention, among other student activities, was significantly aided by the security support and intelligence architecture provided by relevant security agencies,” the statement said.
Oghayan added that the visit also served as an opportunity to introduce the new NAPS leadership to the DSS officially and to seek continued guidance and collaboration.
He urged the new NAPS leadership to maintain the relationship, which he said should be based on mutual respect, patriotism, constructive engagement, and a shared commitment to national peace and development.
The former NAPS president emphasized that security agencies should be viewed not only as enforcement bodies but also as strategic partners in creating an environment where young Nigerians can learn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
On behalf of NAPS, Oghayan formally expressed a vote of confidence in Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi’s leadership. He praised the DG’s professionalism and the Service’s efforts in intelligence gathering, threat prevention, national security coordination, and the timely provision of actionable intelligence to relevant agencies.
The organization also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its initiatives in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and broader efforts to improve access to education and strengthen education financing.
NAPS reaffirmed its dedication to supporting initiatives that promote peace, responsible citizenship, national unity, and constructive engagement between students and security institutions.
The association prayed for continued success, wisdom, courage, and protection for the Director-General and the entire DSS family as they fulfill their national duties.
“God bless the Department of State Services. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless NAPS,” the statement concluded.
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