On the 26th of August 2024, a new Director General (DG), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi was announced for the DSS by President Tinubu to replace Magaji Bichi its erstwhile DG who had held sway in the last 6 years. The announcement of Ajayi threw the entire spy agency and its operatives into jubilations and celebrations, and this prompted me to probe the pedigree of the new man. I was quite amazed at the feedback my inquiry brought up. I learned that Ajayi stood out among his peers and predecessors in terms of competence, professionalism, and extraordinary leadership style, which has become a model for the staff of the agency who have crossed paths with him in the line of duty.
My probe made me realize that Ajayi in the last 10 years or so, ranks amongst the most popular management staff of the agency, like he is the most sought after among his superiors, colleagues, peers, and even subordinates. Mr. Tosin thrived beyond expectation in Bauchi, during the heydays of Boko haram when he led the Agency as Director. This is owing to his unwavering dedication and innovative approach in the agency, which is not just inspiring but has become a motivating factor for even those who have yet to work under him.
In an era marked by institutional rot and decadence as a result of bad choices of leadership, extraordinary leaders are few and far between. However, Ajayi is shattering expectations and redefining what transformational leadership means.
As the new helmsman of the DSS, the man has renewed the hopes of all staff by bringing a breath of fresh air to the agency.
A few of my friends who work at the agency have never been proud of the agency and its leadership until the emergence of Ajayi as the DG. They can't just stop extolling the man's unique blend of vision, expertise, and compassion to drive transformative change. They liken him to their “Messiah” whose time has come.
I was meant to understand that Ajayi's commitment to empowering the agency, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation has created a ripple effect of positivity. His unwavering optimism and willingness to take calculated risks inspire huge confidence and double as a source of motivation for staff to strive for more excellence.
That aside, I got to know that he has unwavering integrity and authenticity. This he has demonstrated by prompt payment of salaries and allowance, as well as re-introducing and clearing all backlogs of allowances his predecessors had suspended before now. This is all in a bid to maintain one of the most motivated workforce in the country.
The man's exceptional communication and listening skills are second to none, and this is currently driving most of his reforms to reposition the agency and take it to enviable heights.
Barely one month in office, Ajayi has not only motivated his workforce but has also reformed the agency's operations and approach to issues by ensuring that the organization pursues only its mandate of protecting and preserving the integrity of the internal security of the country.
He immediately released all detainees who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest owing to his regard for the rule of law and citizens' rights. He has not relented but has continued to review all civil cases that were handled before his administration.
This is indeed the renewed hope promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A renewed hope that chose competence, capacity, and professionalism above all in appointing a leadership for the DSS.
Yakub Shuiabu public analyst writes from Bauchi