Dr. Doyin Abiola, veteran journalist, former Managing Director of National Concord, and wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, has passed away.
Family sources confirmed that Dr. Abiola died at exactly 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday after a period of illness. She was 81.
Dr. Abiola was a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and notably the first woman to become editor-in-chief of a daily newspaper in Nigeria. As the former MD of National Concord, she helped shape the media landscape during a turbulent political era and was a steadfast pillar of strength during her husband’s political tribulations following the annulment of the historic June 12 election.
Born in Nigeria, Dr. Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at Daily Sketch, where she wrote the widely-read column “Tiro,” tackling public interest and gender issues.
In 1970, she traveled to the United States for further studies, earning a Master’s in Journalism. Upon returning, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and later rose to become Group Features Editor. In 1979, she obtained a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University.
Returning to Daily Times, she joined the editorial board, working with media giants such as Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan. Soon after, she was invited to join the newly founded National Concord, where she became its first daily editor and later, in 1986, its Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief.
Dr. Abiola married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981, and her professional journey with National Concord spanned over three decades. During this time, she also contributed to the broader media ecosystem, serving in various advisory and leadership roles.
She was the Chairperson of the Awards Nominating Panel at the first Nigerian Media Merit Awards and a member of the Advisory Council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.
For her immense contributions to journalism, she was honored with the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award the second woman to receive this honor after Mrs. Omobola Onajide. She was also an Eisenhower Fellow in 1986.
Dr. Doyin Abiola’s legacy remains etched in the annals of Nigerian journalism, not only as a barrier-breaking editor but also as a steadfast advocate for press freedom, women’s empowerment, and democratic ideals.
She is survived by children, grandchildren, and a generation of journalists inspired by her extraordinary career.
