Renowned journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, Dr. Doyin Abiola, has passed away at the age of 82.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in Nigerian journalism, she was also one of the wives of the late business mogul and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.
Her death was confirmed by one of Abiola’s sons, Jamiu Abiola, in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Wednesday.
“Yes, she passed away last night,” he said.
Dr. Abiola made history as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper, carving a legacy of excellence and integrity over a career spanning more than 30 years.
Born in 1943, she studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969.
She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she penned the influential column Tiro, addressing public affairs and gender-related issues.
In 1970, she travelled to the United States for postgraduate studies.
She later earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and quickly rose to become Group Features Editor.
She also served on the paper’s editorial board, working alongside iconic journalists like Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan.
When offered the role of “Woman Editor” at Daily Times, she declined, believing it undervalued her capabilities.
She once said the position underestimated her: “She insisted on being judged by merit rather than gender,” the report notes.
She eventually joined as a Features Writer and earned her way to Group Features Editor.
Dr. Abiola later joined National Concord, where she became its pioneer daily editor, and in 1986, was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, one of the highest roles ever held by a woman in the Nigerian media landscape at the time.
Under her leadership, the Concord Group flourished, publishing up to 14 newspapers and magazines, and becoming a major force in national discourse.
Her career was not without adversity. During the Sani Abacha military regime, security forces stormed the Concord premises, destroying its printing infrastructure.
The newspaper was subsequently banned for 18 months. Reflecting on that period in a 2001 interview, she said she remained resolute in her commitment to journalism:
“Despite the pressure, she remained committed to truth and justice in journalism,” she recalled.
Dr. Abiola contributed to the broader media industry in several key capacities.
She chaired the Awards Nominating Panel of the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Award and served on the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
In 1986, she was named an Eisenhower Fellow, and later received the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman ever to earn that honour.
She also served as Chairperson of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.
Throughout the turbulent political years following MKO Abiola’s election annulment, Doyin remained a firm pillar of support.
She stood by him through years of political persecution and house arrest until his untimely death in 1998.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
