Nigerian women have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recommendation of the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to appoint Ms. Folashade Adekaiyaoja as the first-ever Deputy Director General of the Service.

In an unprecedented move, President Tinubu approved Ms. Adekaiyaoja’s appointment in January, marking a significant step toward enhancing the agency’s efficiency and promoting gender inclusivity.

Women from various Civil Society Organisations, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), conveyed their appreciation during a visit to the DSS Director General on Thursday in Abuja.

Led by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the delegation praised Adekaiyaoja’s appointment as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to gender balance in governance.

Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the DSS DG for prioritizing staff welfare and eliminating operational barriers between men and women. She noted that his recommendation of Adekaiyaoja underscored his alignment with the President’s gender inclusion policies.

The minister, joined by Dr. Asabe Vilita, Director General of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), and other top ministry officials, highlighted Adekaiyaoja’s appointment as a significant milestone.

In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Jonathan Eze, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said: “It takes a visionary leader to promote women. I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently supported women, including his wife, even after leaving office as Lagos State Governor.

“I commend you for making a difference, for creating a safe space for women and children with the best crèche facilities, and for enforcing a policy of zero tolerance for the abuse of women. Under your watch, women are empowered and thriving.

“I also commend the President for demonstrating political will through a budgetary allocation increase of over 1,000% at the Ministry and 500% at the NCWD. I pray that both the President’s and the DG’s tenures be impactful and successful.”

She further praised the DSS DG for his commitment to empowering the spouses and children of retired and fallen colleagues, noting that he was sponsoring training programs for women at the NCWD.

In response, the DSS DG expressed his appreciation, attributing his support for women to the love and guidance he received from his mother.

“Everywhere I have served, I have always emphasized respect for women and strongly opposed any form of abuse against them. Leadership is influential, and those who work with me are more likely to uphold these values and address reports of abuse,” he stated.

It will be recalled that upon assuming office in August 2024, the DSS DG pledged comprehensive reforms to transform the Service into one of the most efficient covert security agencies globally.