In a bid to strengthen national security through community engagement, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has revealed that the agency is backing the development of schools, religious centres, and sports facilities across Nigeria.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to tackle terrorism and subversive threats by addressing social and economic vulnerabilities.
Ajayi’s message was delivered by retired DSS official, Alhaji Ahmed Zalmar, during the formal opening of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He explained that these social projects are designed to ease frustration within underserved communities and build trust.
“These interventions reflect the DG’s commitment to the welfare of the less privileged,” Zalmar said.
“Through the construction of educational and worship centres, as well as sports infrastructure, the DSS seeks to positively influence society beyond its traditional intelligence and security roles.”
Zalmar clarified that none of the DSS’s operational funds were used in executing these projects.
Instead, Ajayi relies on corporate social responsibility contributions and private donations to support such humanitarian efforts.
“The DSS is not only concerned with security enforcement,” Ajayi said in the statement.
“It also plays a role in addressing the root causes of insecurity. Through these partnerships and social investments, we aim to create a safer and more inclusive society.”
The newly launched centre, which caters to orphans and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, was named after President Bola Tinubu in honour of his dedication to education and national development.
The entire facility was funded by Ajayi, a Christian, in what many have described as a rare and powerful demonstration of interfaith cooperation and unity.
During the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who led other dignitaries, praised the initiative as a symbol of tolerance and collaboration.
He described the project as a long-lasting legacy that reflects the potential for unity in diversity.
“When people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds work together for the good of society, we take meaningful steps toward building a stronger Nigeria,” the Sultan remarked.
He commended President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Ajayi, calling it a wise choice that has promoted inclusivity.
The Sultan further urged Nigerians to set aside divisive sentiments and focus on common goals that can drive national progress. “Religion should never be a source of conflict,” he said.
“If similar projects are replicated nationwide, Nigeria will be on a path to genuine transformation.”
Finance Minister Wale Edun, who also spoke at the inauguration, applauded the DSS initiative, describing it as consistent with President Tinubu’s vision for inclusive growth and youth development.
“As Nigeria is expected to contribute a large share of the global workforce in the coming decades, investing in education now is both timely and strategic,” he noted.
Representing the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding access to education and reducing insecurity and poverty.
Other prominent attendees included the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli; the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Dahiru Liman; Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi; and several former and current DSS executives.
The Sultan concluded by encouraging affluent individuals to emulate Ajayi’s generosity by supporting the education of less privileged children.
“Only the Almighty can reward such acts,” he said. “By lifting others through education, we secure the future of our nation.”
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