TOSIN AJAYI AND HIS POWER OF IMAGINATION

BY SIMON ABIODUN
With foresight reminiscent of Nostradamus, Ajayi has become the man who saw
tomorrow. Guided by clarity of purpose, he has transformed vision into reality
since assuming office as the DGSS, a year ago. What began on 26th August, 2024
has remained action packed, a fulfilment of promises and continuous progress
marked with milestones that speak to leadership, dedication and diligence. In just
twelve months, Ajayi’ s ability to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities has
shown him as one who came prepared.
Since assuming duty, he has infused every action with the imprint of great dreams
and far-reaching vision. His leadership reflects not only a commitment to the
present but also a bold imagination for what the future of the DSS can become. One
would say, that a defining hallmark of Ajayi’ s first year has been the daring
repositioning of the DSS, transforming it from a conventional structure into a
dynamic institution better equipped to address contemporary security challenges.
Central to this transformation has been his deliberate refocus on the principle of
covertness, a major move that has sharpened his staff ability to be futuristic, act
discreetly, anticipate and neutralise threats. It is therefore not surprising that under
his leadership, the Service has become more responsive, with improved intelligence
gathering initiative. The information sharing systems with both domestic and
international stakeholders are topnotch. Indeed, this renewed focus has sharpened
the capacity to counter challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping,
cybercrime, transnational organised crime including online threats thus firmly
establishing the Service as a trusted pillar in safeguarding national security.
To sustain this capacity, Ajayi prioritises training and capacity building as a
cornerstone of the agency’ s transformation. His emphasis on advanced skills in
intelligence gathering, analysis and modern technologies has ensured that the
Service’ s human capital is fully aligned with its renewed mandate. His leadership
is exemplary. His dictum is Do As I Do. As a practical man, he leads from the
front. When he first got to office, he told staff he came prepared to accomplish. He
assured he would challenge the status quo and not be a That’ s How We Do It
DG. He called on personnel to join him in what has become a beautiful sprint.
Whether on early arrival at work, meetings or schedules, exhibiting discipline and
diligence, responsibility and team spirit on assigned roles, his commitment has
remained the same. For him, DSS must serve Nigeria with pride, honesty and
patriotism. He is goal-oriented.
Beyond institutional reforms, the DGSS has placed a premium on staff welfare.
This is in recognition that motivated personnel are the backbone of any successful
organization. He has improved the conditions of service by ensuring fairer
remuneration, timely promotions and clearer career progression. He also introduced
stronger support systems, including healthcare and housing packages, designed to
give officers and their families a greater sense of security. In addition, new policies
were put in place to prioritize overall well-being of all. He recognizes excellence
and provides safeguards for those in high-risk assignments. Equally significant has
been his decisive move to realign ranks and restore discipline, a reform that
injected fairness, merit, accountability, predictability and self appraisal into the
agency’ s structure.
Remarkably, retirees are not left behind under him. Not only harmonised their
benefits, he gives them all they ever asked for. It has become honourable to work
and retire from the DSS. There could not have been a prouder time. Anticipating
the long-term impact of these steps, he understood that internal order and morale
would translate into sharper efficiency and stronger credibility externally. Today,
the DSS reflects a culture of professionalism, thus showcasing attributes that are
vital for meeting the demands of a complex security environment. Any time I come
across DSS personnel, all I hear are praises of their new DG who has brought
positive change to their prestigious Agency. I feel jealous I wished I could be a
member.
Meanwhile, Ajayi’ s insightful contributions to policy through timely intelligence,
strategic analysis and clear recommendations to consumers have fortified political
stability and strengthened democratic institutions. These inputs have also nurtured
an atmosphere of trust in governance, thereby ensuring that national decisions are
grounded in foresight and security consciousness. Likewise, his contributions to
securing critical infrastructure has created an environment of safety, thus
supporting economic growth and giving businesses and investors the confidence to
thrive. In weaving security into the fabric of economic progress and political
stability, Ayayi has shown that intelligence leadership, when guided by vision and
purpose, is not just about protection but about driving the nation’ s journey toward
peace and prosperity. This scenario is epitomised by the recent apprehension of
Ansaru terrorist leaders. Who else could have done that except the one who takes
the bull by the horn and walks on paths feared by others.
One year on, Ajayi’ s leadership has already left an indelible mark. His
transformative actions within the agency, commitment to staff welfare, discipline
and strategic influence on national policy have set a high standard. It has been a
first year of bold moves, measurable impact and a promise of even greater
achievements ahead for DSS staff, the nation and its citizens. Congratulations,
TOSIN and 12 hearty cheers to many more years of visionary leadership and
outstanding service. Your imagination will never decline. Set your eyes on the ball,
able Golfer.
Abiodun is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Lagos.