Ajayi received a commendation award at the IPI’s Annual Conference held on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, in recognition of what the organisation described as his “unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations” since his appointment in late August 2024.
In a statement, the IPI noted that the award was not only to acknowledge Ajayi’s press freedom credentials but also to encourage him to deepen these efforts and inspire other public officials and institutions to emulate his example.
President Tinubu welcomed the honour, commending the DSS Director-General for upholding press freedom, respecting citizens’ rights, and discharging his responsibilities within the bounds of the law.