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Doyin Abiola: An Intelligent Pen Pusher Bows Out
Published
8 months agoon
By
Eric
While working with the Daily Sketch, she began writing Tiro, a column that tackled various public interest issues, including gender-related matters.
In 1970, she left the Daily Sketch 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 eventually became Group Features Editor.
She went on to earn a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
After completing her doctorate, she returned to the Daily Times, where she joined the editorial board, working alongside esteemed editors such as the late Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
She spent only a short time at the Daily Times before being invited to join the newly established National Concord as its pioneer daily editor.
She became the newspaper’s Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief in 1986, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold such a position.
In 1981, she married MKO Abiola and remained by his side throughout the tumultuous years following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Late Doyin also made significant contributions outside the newsroom.
She chaired the Awards Nominating Panel at the first Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA). She served on the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her lifelong commitment to expanding the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy.
Recognising her exceptional contribution to journalism, the DAME Trustees honoured her with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME ceremony.
This made her the second woman, after Omobola Onajide, to receive the distinction.
In 1986, she was also awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship.
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 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.
The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has 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.
Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, who worked closely with Mrs Abiola both officially and on family levels, reported as follows after visiting the home to commiserate with the Abiolas:
“Earlier today (Sunday), I paid a condolence visit to the family of DR DOYIN ABIOLA, my former Boss at the Concord newspapers and wife of our Chairman CHIEF MOSHOOD ABIOLA. I met and discussed with her daughter, DOYIN ABIOLA-TOBUN, her Son-in-law BAMISE TOBUN, her Sister, IYABO ABOABA, her friend, TENIDADE ADEBIMPE AOFIYEBI and other family members and friends…”
“Only a professional and manager of exceptional capacity and courage could have translated the publisher’s vision of independent journalism into the daily publication of news and respected leaders.
“Only a woman of quintessential professional standards and stoic sacrifice could have survived the regular onslaught of military invasion of Concord’s newsroom, incessant closures and incarceration of staff, and ultimately, the detention and death of the publisher” – Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals
“By all standards, she contributed a lot to our profession. She was a trailblazer and a woman who shattered the glass ceiling.
“When I read the newspaper headlines announcing her demise, something struck me that the headline did not capture Doyin Abiola in her own rights, because 90 per cent of the reportage was based on the fact that wife of Chief Moshood Abiola. Of course, that was true, but my point is that she was a great person in her own right and should be accorded that kind of honour and respect. She deserves to be celebrated by the media” – Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Punch
“She was a lady of elegance. She had a way of ascertaining her authority without being overbearing. I was privileged to work under her when she was the first editor of National Concord. She was an inspiration to many people for what she achieved and the way she carried herself.
“I remember that during the June 12 struggle when the husband, Chief MKO Abiola was picked up by the military regime, she was not only just dogged, I know the efforts she made with other members of the Abiola family, not only in support of the struggle but risking her life and spending her time, of course which she was expected to do” – Nosa Igiebor, Co-founder, Tell Magazine
“Doyin Abiola was a great woman, a great newspaper woman and a great journalist…So she was a great woman and I really miss her a lot. We thank God for her life” – Mike Awoyinfa, former Editor, Weekend Concord
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Featured
Leatherworld: A Masterclass in Enduring Excellence
Published
4 days agoon
March 21, 2026By
Eric
Leatherworld defines what it means to be classy. And it has confidently taken the higher road. For more than three decades, it has not merely sold furniture — it has demonstrated what class truly means in business: integrity in craftsmanship, consistency in service, and vision in growth. And as its name, “Leatherworld” implies, it is a world of its own.
Founded in 1994 to meet the demand for high-quality furniture in Nigeria, Leatherworld began as a retail outlet focused on premium pieces through partnerships with Italian luxury brands. However, it has now upped its ante, spreading its tentacles with showrooms in Victoria Island and Lekki Lagos, and also in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory.
At a time when durability was often sacrificed for cost and quick turnover, the company made a deliberate decision: it would never compromise quality to cut corners. That principle has remained its compass ever since.
This is indeed the story of Leatherworld. For over 30 years, it has defined what luxury furniture means in Nigeria. It is not just a brand, it has consistently stood for one core principle: quality that lasts.
The company’s commitment to seasoned hardwood, aged for up to seven years before production, speaks to a patience that is rare in modern manufacturing. Indeed, its furniture is designed not for seasons, but for decade
Its growth has been matched by recognitions and honours from far and wide. Notable among some of these awards and recognitions are; international honours such as the Quality Summit New York International Award for Excellence (2013) to multiple awards from reputable organisation such as; the Nigerian National Assembly 2004 Awards, Furniture and Allied Products Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Award (2008), Interior Designer Association of Nigeria, IDAN, Award (2012). Indeed, Leatherworld’s name has become synonymous with leadership in interior décor and furniture manufacturing.
But beyond awards and expansion, it is its customer loyalty that tells the real story. For many clients, the Leatherworld experience begins long before the furniture is delivered.
The brand has earned respect across borders. But class is not proven by trophies alone. It is revealed in everyday interactions. Customers consistently describe professional staff, meticulous delivery teams, and after-sale technical support that is “second to none.”
From custom requests handled with speed and care to full-room assemblies executed with precision, Leatherworld treats service as part of the product itself.
Many customers attest to owning Leatherworld pieces for over 30 years — still structurally sound, still comfortable, still elegant. In a marketplace often flooded with disposable options, that kind of longevity is not accidental; it is intentional. This explains why the customers of Leatherworld attests to the durability and high quality of its products.
“I really enjoyed my shopping experience,” says Anita Ajah, who visited the Lagos showroom. “Their customer service was unlike anything I have experienced in Nigeria.”
Diana Ufuah shares a similar sentiment. “Leatherworld is the very best in terms of quality. I bought a sofa there and it is extremely comfortable and durable. What I also find intriguing is their customer service. My family and I were treated like royalty while shopping.”
It is a recurring theme – professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail.
Oluwole Adekoya describes the experience as “first-class quality furniture reasonably priced,” recommending the brand to anyone “with a dimension for taste.”
Kunle Adegbite highlights the end-to-end service: “I found exactly what I was looking for. Not only were the choices incredible, the service was outstanding. I requested their operations team to assemble my living room and they were quick, professional, and executed it beautifully. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Chioma Okonkwo, a long-standing client is more effusive in her review: “You only get bored with the same furniture but the thought of the new price you will pay keeps you loving your FOREVER furniture from Leatherworld!”
Those testimonies indeed speak volumes. Still, Leatherworld has not dithered from its vision to revolutionise the furniture and interior design industry in Nigeria and West Africa. And its message is simple: quality furniture is not a cost — it is an investment. You choose once. You choose well. You buy for life.
Leatherworld’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the elegance of Florence and the opulence of Nigerian culture — a fusion that respects global sophistication while celebrating local identity.
Its collections range from classical and neo-classical to contemporary and simple-line designs, ensuring that individuality is never compromised.
In doing so, the company has positioned itself not just as a seller of furniture, but as a curator of lifestyle — crafting pieces that define spaces for scholars, business leaders, families and discerning homeowners alike.
In business, class is consistency when no one is watching. It is honouring promises made decades ago. It is building products that outlive marketing campaigns. It is choosing long-term reputation over short-term gain.
In a competitive industry where shortcuts are tempting and compromise is common, Leatherworld has shown that real class lies in endurance — of materials, of service, of vision and of trust.
And in doing so, it has not only furnished homes across Nigeria and West Africa; it has furnished an example of how a company can grow, lead, and still remain grounded in excellence.
Bimbo Alashe, as the founder and CEO of Leatherworld Furniture Company, leads the international furniture retailing assemblage and manufacturing company in Nigeria. The company offers top quality leather furniture and accessories in wood, glass, marble, and other authentic and elegant materials, establishing a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and design.
She is one of the most formidable entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Beyond building her company, she sits on the board of several companies and serves as a mentor to a number of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, sharing her experience and insight to help others grow.
Her story is not the typical one of a person who grows from old money. Alase had to create her story herself, making her way from the rough early days of owning a small mini-store to the point where she became a mega business owner through determination and persistence.
When Leatherworld was established, it entered the furniture space to redefine luxury and class. The business created an opportunity for her to explore her love for creativity, guided by a straightforward vision — to make high-quality furniture available to everyone.
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Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Felicitate with Muslim Ummah, Nigerians at Eid-el-Fitr
Published
4 days agoon
March 21, 2026By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
The three frontline political leaders in Nigeria; President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi, have in separate messages call for the strengthening of security, sustenance of the spirit of goodwill imbibed during Ramadan as well as kindness among Nigerians as the Muslim Ummah celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.
The messages are in response to the successful completion of the 30-day fasting – a period of dedication, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and stocktaking – which end birth the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Leading the avalanche of messages, President Tinubu, through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reiterated the need to lead a pious life seasoned by empathy and unity among humankind.
He noted that though the Ramadan season is over, but the lessons of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion, which the period is known, must consistently be the watchword of every Nigerian.
The message is captured in details below:
As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.
President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasize piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.
“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.
President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.
The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.
In the same vein, former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigerian and across the world on the successful completion of the mandatory Ramadan fasting, and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.
A press statement signed by the media office of the former Vice President, admonished Muslims to remain steadfast in piety by maintaining peace and in charitable causes.
According to Atiku, the completion of the obligatory fasting in the noble month of Ramadan should lead to more commitment to the injunctions of Almighty Allah.
“The completion of the Ramadan fasting is a call to duty that ensures we sustain the good deeds that the noble month requires of us.
“We must ensure that the lessons of the month are not lost on us and that the celebration of today is a reminder to the people, especially Muslims, to follow in the tradition of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in seeking closeness to God through worship and maintaining peace,” Atiku said.
He further called on the government to take it more seriously, stressing that “the protection of the lives and property of citizens is a divine decree and the sole responsibility of every government.”
Atiku similarly enjoins the privileged in the society to keep providing charity to the less privileged as this would go a long way in ensuring that the rising tide of economic downturn does not weigh too heavily on the poor.
“A greater number of people are being crushed by the economic downturn and global events in the past three weeks have further exacerbated the situation. It is incumbent on the wealthy to be more compassionate by taking up the responsibility of charity to help cushion the effect of the burden on the poor,” Atiku said.
Also lending his voice the congratulatory messages, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, urged Nigerian Muslims to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan going forward even as the 30-day fast has officially ended.
“I join you with heartfelt joy as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the blessed festival that marks the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan.
“This occasion is a profound reminder of the power of faith, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to Almighty Allah.
“Throughout Ramadan, you have fasted, prayed, given charity, and drawn closer to God, embodying values that inspire not only the Muslim ummah but every person of goodwill. These lessons of compassion, humility, patience, and solidarity must not end with the month; may they continue to guide our hearts, our actions, and our shared life as Nigerians.”
Many other prominent Nigerians and institutions have also identified with the Muslims in celebration, drumming the lesson of service, patriotism, piety and above unity of purpose to the hearing and learning of all and sundry.
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TEF Entrepreneurship: Tony Elumelu Foundation Sets March 22 to Announce 2026 Cohort
Published
5 days agoon
March 20, 2026By
Eric
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs will announce the 12th cohort of the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
In 2026, the Foundation will empower a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs across all its entrepreneurship programmes:
1,751 entrepreneurs through Heirs Holdings Group: Heirs Energies, Transcorp Power, Transcorp Hotels, and United Capital; 1,049 entrepreneurs in partnership with the European Commission, OACPS, BMZ and GIZ; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with Sèmè City Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with DEG, the German Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and the Dutch Government; and 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with UNDP and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.
Applications to the flagship programme were received from over 265,000 young Africans, representing all 54 African countries, underscoring Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial sector and the funding challenge for entrepreneurs. The new cohort will join the TEF Alumni community of more than 24,000 entrepreneurs.
The selection process is conducted by Ernst & Young, ensuring an independent and rigorous assessment of applicants.
Each selected Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to world-class business management training on TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and entry into a powerful network of investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 2.5 million young Africans with access to business management training on our proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over US$100 million in seed capital to more than 24,000 selected entrepreneurs. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have generated $4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through our support for African entrepreneurs, TEF has lifted 2.1 million Africans above the poverty line, and positively impacted more than 4 million African households, with 46% of supported entrepreneurs being African women.
Ahead of the upcoming announcement, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reiterates his unwavering belief in the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurs:
“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs and solve the challenges of our continent. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs is the most sustainable path to Africa’s economic transformation.
I look forward to announcing and congratulating the 2026 cohort of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs and look forward to witnessing the impact they will create across our continent.”
The general public is invited to join, virtually.
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