Veteran journalist and pioneering media executive, Dr. Doyin Abiola, has passed away at the age of 82.
Dr. Abiola, widow of the late business mogul and acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, reportedly died on Tuesday night, marking the end of a towering presence in Nigerian journalism.
Renowned for breaking barriers, Dr. Abiola made history in 1986 when she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord, making her the first Nigerian woman to lead a national daily newspaper in such capacity.
Her distinguished career at the Concord Group of Newspapers spanned over three decades, during which she served in various editorial and leadership roles, becoming a respected voice in both media and democratic discourse.
A recipient of numerous accolades, Dr. Abiola was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), recognizing her immense contributions to the growth and integrity of Nigerian journalism.
She also served as chairperson of the awards nominating panel at the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA), further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the media industry.
Dr. Doyin Abiola’s death has drawn tributes from across Nigeria’s media, political, and civil society landscapes, with many hailing her as a pillar of democracy, a mentor to generations of journalists, and a symbol of resilience and excellence.
