Former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, Dr. Doyin Abiola, has passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday night.
A towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape, Dr. Abiola holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian woman to rise to the position of editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. Over her decades-long career, she became one of the country’s most influential voices in journalism, known for her integrity, tenacity, and leadership.
Born in 1943, Abiola, the wife of the late MKO Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election, earned her undergraduate degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at Daily Sketch, where her column Tiro explored social and gender-related issues and earned a wide readership.
In 1970, she left for the United States for postgraduate studies and would later earn a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and later became Group Features Editor. She declined an offer to be made “Woman Editor,” believing the role limited her potential. Instead, she insisted on being judged by her merit, a move that typified her approach to her career.
Abiola later joined National Concord as its pioneer daily editor, eventually becoming Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986. Under her leadership, the newspaper rose to national prominence, and the Concord Group expanded to publish up to 14 different newspapers and magazines.
During the military era of General Sani Abacha, National Concord suffered significant setbacks when soldiers stormed the paper’s offices, destroying presses and forcing an 18-month ban on its operations. Despite the intimidation, Abiola remained steadfast in her commitment to press freedom. In a 2001 interview, she said, “Despite the pressure, I remained committed to truth and justice in journalism.”
Her influence extended beyond the newsroom. She chaired the Awards Nominating Panel for the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Award and was a member of the Advisory Council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
Tinubu mourns Abiola
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family of Abiola.
In his condolence message, Tinubu said, “She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first managing director of a daily newspaper.
“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound.
“Doyin embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to public good and democratic good governance,” the President said in a message he signed.
He added that Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing of women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy.
“I commiserate with the Abiola and Aboaba families, her only daughter, Doyinsola, and the government and people of Lagos and Ogun States. May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree,” he added.
