With confirmation from multiple authentic sources, the news dropped on Wednesday of the death, the night before, of one of Nigeria’s finest female journalists, Mrs Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola. She was one of the wives of late MKO Abiola, and passed on at the age of 82, bringing to an end an era of diminutive and fearless reportage laced in administrative expertise.
Doyin Abiola gained influence and momentum as the first female editor of a national daily newspaper, more than her marriage to the winner of the popular June 12, 1993 presidential election. She is reputed for making history as a pioneering figure, a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism.She earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969 and began her journalism career with the Daily Sketch newspaper.
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.
As expected, tributes have continued to pour in honour of the deceased celebrated pen Pusher.
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…”
MEDIA GREATS SPEAK ON DOYIN ABIOLA
“Dr. Doyin supervised several innovative projects to position Concord Press as the primus inter pares in the media industry. For instance, Concord was the first to archive newspapers by converting from print to microfilm.”She showed her motherly disposition in the provision of conducive working conditions and personal interest in staff welfare and professional development.
“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
Mrs. Abiola, who died following a long illness on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82 will be buried between September 7 and 9, according to a statement by the family.
May her soul find perfect rest!
