President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Doyin Hamidat Abiola, wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, describing her as “a trailblazer in journalism and a fearless advocate of democracy and gender equity.”
In a heartfelt tribute titled “Goodnight Doyin Abiola, Media Trailblazer, Soldier of Democracy,” President Tinubu celebrated her outstanding contributions to journalism, women’s empowerment, and democratic advancement, noting, “Her impact on our democracy was even more profound.”
“Doyin Abiola, 82, was an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism,” the President wrote. “She remained committed to journalism from her early days as a reporter with the now-defunct Daily Sketch, after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969, where she majored in English and Drama. Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women.”
He praised her historic rise as the first woman to edit a national newspaper and serve as Managing Director of a daily publication in Nigeria.
“Doyin embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, a commitment to excellence, and dedication to the public good and democratic governance,” he stated.
Reflecting on her leadership at National Concord, President Tinubu recalled:
“In 1980, she became the pioneer Editor of National Concord, owned by the late MKO Abiola. She later rose to the position of Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of all the Concord titles, including founding the Weekend Concord, which set new standards in people-centred journalism.”
On her role during the June 12 struggle, he recounted:
“As MKO’s wife, Doyin became acquainted with politics and played an active role during the 1993 presidential election. She mobilised and provided direction for the media under her control. When the June 12 election, which her husband won, was annulled, she joined the fray. Despite the military junta shutting down the Concord Group, she stood firm, demanding the validation of the election. She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.”
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola, and the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.
“Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her advocacy for women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy,” he wrote, praying for the peaceful repose of her soul and for more Nigerian women to embody her legacy.
The late Dr Doyin Abiola was a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and a respected media executive. She made history as the first woman to edit a national daily newspaper and to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, founded by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola, whom she married in 1981.
She earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969 and began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she wrote the popular column Tiro, addressing social and gender-related issues.
In 1970, she pursued a Master’s degree in Journalism in the United States and later joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer, eventually rising to become Group Features Editor. In 1979, she obtained a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University.
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Returning to Nigeria, she joined the editorial board of the Daily Times, working alongside some of Nigeria’s most respected journalists, including Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. She later moved to National Concord, becoming its first female Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986.
Her illustrious media career spanned more than three decades. Beyond the newsroom, she contributed significantly to institutional development, serving as Chairperson of the Awards Nominating Panel at the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Awards and as a member of the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
Doyin Abiola’s legacy remains a benchmark for journalistic excellence, women’s empowerment, and democratic advocacy. Her life’s work continues to inspire future generations committed to truth, justice, and national progress.
