Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished media pioneers, Dr. Doyin Abiola, who passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 81. Family sources confirmed she died at exactly 9:15 p.m. after a period of illness.
Dr. Abiola, widow of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola — the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election — was a groundbreaking figure in Nigerian journalism. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to serve as both editor-in-chief and managing director of a national daily newspaper.
Born in 1944, she studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969. Her journalism journey began at the Daily Sketch, where her column Tiro tackled social and gender issues. In 1970, she pursued a Master’s degree in Journalism in the United States, and later earned 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 rose to become Group Features Editor. She later joined the editorial board, working alongside media legends like Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh. Her career took a defining turn when she became the founding editor of National Concord, established by MKO Abiola, whom she married in 1981.
In 1986, she shattered another glass ceiling by becoming Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, the first Nigerian woman to hold such a position in the daily newspaper industry.
Dr. Abiola’s influence spanned over three decades, during which she mentored countless journalists and played a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape. Through political upheavals and personal trials, she remained a steadfast figure — both in her family and in the newsroom.
She also served in various national and professional capacities, championing journalism and advocating for women’s representation in media and leadership.
