Dr. Doyin Abiola, widow of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Late Chief MKO Abiola, is dead.
Abiola, who was a former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group of newspapers, passed away yesterday (Tuesday August 5 2025) night after a brief illness.
The media icon and the first female Editor-in-chief was aged 82.
Dr. Abiola broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. She navigated the turbulent waters of Nigeria’s political climate, particularly in the aftermath of the annulment of her husband's election victory.
Dr. Abiola graduated from the prestigious University of Ibadan in 1969 with a degree in English and Drama.
Her journalism career began at the Daily Sketch Newspaper, where she gained recognition for her column "Tiro," which focused on pressing social issues, especially those related to gender.
In 1970, she furthered her education by traveling to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Journalism, solidifying her commitment to media excellence.
Upon her return to Nigeria, Dr. Abiola joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer, eventually rising to the role of Group Features Editor.
Her academic pursuits continued at New York University, where she earned a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science in 1979.
This prestigious achievement led her back to the Daily Times, where she contributed significantly to the editorial team alongside noted editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
Dr. Abiola’s impactful journey took a pivotal turn when she was invited to become the founding editor of the newly established National Concord newspaper.
By 1986, she reached a historic milestone by becoming the first woman in Nigeria to serve as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a daily newspaper.
Her three-decade tenure at National Concord was characterized by her dedication to enhancing journalistic standards and promoting democratic principles through the media.
Outside her editorial roles, Dr. Abiola played a significant part in the broader media community.
She served as the Chairperson of the Awards Nominating Panel for the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Award and was a member of the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
Her contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her unwavering commitment to media innovation and democracy.
In addition, she received the prestigious DAME Lifetime Achievement Award, marking her as only the second woman ever to receive this honor, and was granted the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.
Dr. Doyin Abiola’s passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit and contributions will forever inspire those in the media and beyond.
Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of journalism in shaping society and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Credit: ThisDay
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