President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Folashade Adekaiyaoja as Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the Department of State Services (DSS), marking a historic first for Nigeria. This is the first time in the agency’s history that the role of DDG has been filled, making Adekaiyaoja’s appointment a significant milestone for the DSS, particularly for its female officers.
The DSS Structure and the Landmark Appointment
Traditionally, the DSS is structured to include three Deputy Directors-General within its hierarchy, yet these positions have remained vacant until now. Adekaiyaoja’s appointment not only fills one of these roles but also sets a precedent for advancing gender representation and leadership within the agency. This groundbreaking move has sparked widespread interest in the life and achievements of this trailblazing officer.
Who is Folashade Adekaiyaoja?
A native of Kogi State, Adekaiyaoja is now the first woman to hold the office of Deputy Director-General in the DSS. Her career is distinguished by significant accomplishments:
- Fellow of the Defence College (fdc): She earned this recognition after successfully completing the rigorous study program at the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria’s foremost institution for strategic military and security training.
- Fellow of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS): This honor reflects her expertise and leadership in national security, awarded after completing the institute’s advanced training programs.
Educational Background of New DSS Deputy DG
While detailed information about her early academic qualifications is limited, Adekaiyaoja’s advanced education underscores her commitment to professional development:
- She completed a one-week leadership program at Harvard University.
- She holds an MSc in Security Sector Management from Cranfield University, a globally respected institution for defense and security studies.
Career in Security Services
Adekaiyaoja began her career as a security executive in February 1992. While the specifics of her career trajectory within the DSS remain unclear, her decades of experience and leadership in the agency have earned her widespread respect.
Her appointment as DDG is said to have been recommended by the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, and endorsed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Significance of Her Appointment
The appointment of Folashade Adekaiyaoja has been widely celebrated by both current and retired DSS officers. It addresses long-standing stagnation in career progression within the agency, where officers often retired at the rank of Director due to the absence of opportunities for advancement.
By filling the previously unoccupied DDG position, the appointment signals a new era for DSS personnel, offering them greater career prospects and motivation to aspire to higher leadership roles.
Adekaiyaoja’s trailblazing role is not only a step forward for the DSS but also an inspiration for women across Nigeria, demonstrating that barriers can be broken and new paths forged in traditionally male-dominated fields.