Tinubu, NPAN, others mourn as Doyin Abiola dies at 82

Journalism icon and the first Nigerian woman to be an editor of a Nigerian daily newspaper, Doyin Abiola, died yesterday at the age of 82. The former Managing Director of the defunct Concord Group of newspapers and wife of the late MKO Abiola, reportedly died after a brief illness. A pioneer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. […]

Journalism icon and the first Nigerian woman to be an editor of a Nigerian daily newspaper, Doyin Abiola, died yesterday at the age of 82.

The former Managing Director of the defunct Concord Group of newspapers and wife of the late MKO Abiola, reportedly died after a brief illness.

A pioneer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola made history as the first Nigerian woman to become editor and later managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. Her tenure at National Concord spanned more than three decades, during which she helped shape media discourse and mentored a generation of journalists.

Born in 1943, Dr. Abiola obtained a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she penned a widely read column titled Tiro, addressing issues of public concern, particularly gender equity.

In 1970, she left Nigeria to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism in the United States. Upon her return, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She later earned a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

Returning to Nigeria, she served on the Daily Times editorial board alongside respected journalists such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan. In 1980, she became the pioneer editor of the newly launched National Concord, eventually rising to Managing Director in 1986.

She married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981 and remained a steadfast presence during his political trials, particularly after the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Doyin also contributed to the media industry in various capacities. She chaired the nomination panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) and served on the advisory council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at the Ogun State University.

Her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the second woman to receive the honor after Mrs. Omobola Onajide. She was also a recipient of the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.

Meanwhile, tributes have started pouring in honour of the deceased.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement, said he received news of her demise with deep sadness, describing her as a trailblazing journalist and editor.

According to him, Doyin was an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism having stayed in the journalism course since starting as a reporter with the defunct Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969, majoring in English and Drama.

The president praised her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity as well as her impact on the nation’s democracy.

Tinubu also recalled her role during the June 12 annulment June 12 election, saying despite the military junta shutting down the Concord Group, she also joined the fray, demanding the validation of the election.

He further described her as “a soldier of democracy in her own right.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said late Doyin, during her lifetime, especially at a younger age, contributed her quota to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said her transition signalled the gradual exit of the beautiful ones who brought sparkle to the lives of many readers by publishing delightful stories of hope and perseverance.

Yesterday, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) commiserated with her entire family,  members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and former staff of the defunct Concord Newspapers.

A statement titled ‘Doyin Abiola: Service to the End’, signed by President of NPAN, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, described the deceased as a quintessential journalist and media guru, who was a record breaker in the Nigerian media space, being the first woman to be named editor of a national daily with her appointment in 1980 as Editor National Concord newspaper.

Part of the statement read: “It is with sadness that we received the news of the death of our sister, friend, colleague and a trustee of our esteemed Association,  Dr Doyin Abiola (nee Aboaba)

“Though she lived to the ripe age of 82 years, this by no means mitigates the shock of receiving the news of her passage.

“In 1986, she also became the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group, as she was named managing director and editor-in-chief of the Concord Newspapers Group.

“In all, we take solace in the fact that she left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and served the industry till her death.

“Dr. Doyin Abiola, until her death, was a trustee of the NPAN. She was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Diamond Awards For Media Excellence (DAME).

“We pray that the Almighty God will console and uphold each and every one.”

Also, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which expressed sadness over the death, said Dr Abiola’s legacy was a testament to her pioneering spirit, breaking down gender barriers and mentoring generations of journalists who have gone on to become great professionals.

A statement signed jointly signed by NGE’s President and General Secretary Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh said her leadership, dedication to excellence, and commitment to press freedom, gender equity, and national development had left an indelible mark on the profession.

“We remember her courage and resilience during the military era, withstanding harassment and threats during her tenure at Concord Newspapers.

“As we pray for her soul’s repose, we celebrate her achievements, which serve as a reminder that a person’s legacy is defined by the positive impact they leave behind.

“Dr. Abiola’s life and work inspire us to strive for excellence, driven by passion and commitment, regardless of gender or circumstance,” the statement added.