President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Folashade Adekaiyaoja as the Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Department of State Services (DSS), marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first individual to hold this position in the agency’s history.
Historic Appointment
The DSS, structured with three Deputy Directors General in its hierarchy, made the appointment following a recommendation by the DSS Director-General through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Sources revealed that the appointment aligns with existing regulations and has been widely celebrated within the DSS as a progressive step.
Adekaiyaoja, a native of Kogi State, is seen as highly qualified for the position. Her appointment is expected to boost morale within the agency and enhance career progression for officers and operatives.
Commitment to Enhanced Security
President Tinubu’s decision reflects his commitment to improving Nigeria’s security infrastructure. He has tasked the heads of security agencies to propose strategies for enhancing service delivery. The DSS DG’s recommendation for Adekaiyaoja’s appointment was part of these efforts and is seen as a move to reinforce the agency’s operational capacity.
At a December 2024 event for graduates of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Intelligence Management Course, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to equipping security agencies with cutting-edge, AI-powered tools to tackle insecurity. Speaking through the NSA, the President emphasized the need for collaboration among security agencies to achieve national safety and stability.
DSS Reforms Underway
Since assuming office in August 2024, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi has initiated sweeping reforms aimed at transforming the agency into one of the most efficient covert security organizations globally. The appointment of Adekaiyaoja is viewed as a critical part of these reforms, signaling a renewed focus on operational efficiency and innovation.
Looking Ahead
Adekaiyaoja’s appointment is not only a landmark achievement for the DSS but also a reflection of President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure Nigeria. With her expertise and the President’s commitment to providing advanced resources, the DSS is poised to strengthen its role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
