The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has revealed that the agency is supporting the construction of schools, religious centres, and sports facilities nationwide as part of a broader effort to counter terrorism and subversion through community engagement and social development.
Speaking through a retired DSS director, Alhaji Ahmed Zalmar, during the inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Ajayi said the initiative aims to reduce grievances and build trust among vulnerable populations.
“These projects are not funded from operational budgets but from corporate social responsibility efforts and private donations,” Ajayi clarified.
“Our goal is to tackle the root causes of insecurity by investing in human capital.”
The newly commissioned Islamic learning centre, which will serve orphans and underprivileged children, was fully funded by Ajayi, a Christian, in what has been hailed as a symbol of interfaith harmony and national unity. It is named after President Bola Tinubu in recognition of his commitment to education and development.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who led dignitaries at the event, described the project as a “legacy initiative” and a powerful message of unity across religious and ethnic lines.
“This is how we build the Nigeria we all want—by focusing on shared values and working together,” the Sultan said.
“Such gestures help mend divisions and strengthen our nation.”
He commended President Tinubu for appointing Ajayi, praising the DSS leadership for fostering cooperation and inclusion.
The Sultan called on wealthy Nigerians to emulate Ajayi by investing in education for disadvantaged communities.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Finance Wale Edun praised the DSS initiative, aligning it with the Tinubu administration’s focus on inclusive growth.
“Education is Nigeria’s most valuable investment as we prepare to contribute significantly to the global workforce by 2050,” he noted.
Representing the Kaduna State Governor, Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe reiterated the government’s commitment to education and combating poverty and insecurity.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli; Kaduna State House of Assembly Speaker Dahiru Liman; NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi; and several past and current DSS directors.