Nigeria has lost a pioneering force in journalism. Dr. Doyin Abiola, veteran media trailblazer and wife of late Concord publisher and June 12, 1993 presidential election winner Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has passed away.
She died at 9:15 PM on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, after battling an undisclosed illness.
Dr. Doyin Abiola was more than just a journalist; she was a national symbol of resilience, intellect, and innovation in media. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor and editor-in-chief of a daily newspaper, the National Concord, where she later rose to become Managing Director.
📝 A Life of Firsts and Fierce Impact
Born in 1944, Doyin Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism journey at Daily Sketch, where her column “Tiro” addressed pressing social issues, particularly around gender and public policy.
In 1970, she moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she worked at the Daily Times, rising to the position of Group Features Editor, and was later appointed to the editorial board, where she collaborated with journalism greats like Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan.
📰 Trailblazer at National Concord
Dr. Abiola’s impact peaked at National Concord, where she was invited to become the pioneer daily editor. In 1986, she became the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, leading the newspaper through some of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods, especially during the June 12 election annulment and the years of unrest that followed.
Despite political pressure and personal hardship, especially following her husband's incarceration and eventual death, Doyin Abiola remained a steady voice in Nigerian journalism.
Her career at Concord spanned nearly three decades, and she continued to serve in various media leadership roles, mentoring a new generation of journalists and advocating for press freedom and gender equality.
💔 A Nation Mourns
Doyin Abiola was married to MKO Abiola in 1981. Like many of his wives, she stood by him during his political struggles not just as a spouse but as a professional and activist in her own right.
Her death marks the end of an era, but her contributions to journalism, women's advancement, and national discourse will forever live on.
🙏 Rest in Power, Dr. Doyin Abiola
📢 Tributes are pouring in nationwide. Join the conversation: What are your memories of Dr. Doyin Abiola's impact on Nigerian media?
🔁 Share this tribute to honor her life and legacy.
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