In a significant leadership change, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, made the announcement on Monday, August 25, 2024.
Ajayi’s appointment marks the end of Yusuf Magaji Bichi’s tenure as the DSS Director-General. Bichi has served as the DSS Director-General since his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. Bichi’s leadership spanned several years of significant national security challenges, during which the DSS played a crucial role in maintaining internal security and intelligence operations.
The appointment of Ajayi is seen as part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to reshape the leadership of key national security institutions as his administration continues to tackle the country’s pressing security concerns. Ajayi brings a wealth of intelligence and security experience to the role, and his appointment is expected to usher in a new era for the DSS.
Further details about Ajayi’s career and the priorities he will bring to his new position are anticipated to be shared in the coming days as he officially assumes office. The change in leadership comes at a critical time, with the DSS expected to continue playing a pivotal role in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges under Ajayi’s direction.
