Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, veteran journalist and former Managing Director of National Concord, has died at the age of 82.
Family sources confirmed that she passed away at exactly 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, after a period of illness.
Dr. Abiola, the wife of the late business mogul and winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was a pioneer in Nigerian journalism. She holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor of a daily newspaper, and later became the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, a paper owned by her husband.
Her journalism career began shortly after she graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1969 with a degree in English and Drama. She started as a columnist for the Daily Sketch, where her column “Tiro” addressed a range of public interest and gender-related issues. In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a master’s degree in journalism.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become the Group Features Editor. She later earned a Ph.D. in communications and political science from New York University in 1979.
After her doctoral studies, she rejoined Daily Times and was appointed to the Editorial Board, where she worked alongside distinguished editors such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. Her stint at Daily Times was brief, as she was soon invited to become the pioneer daily editor at the newly established National Concord.
In 1986, she was promoted to Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, making history as the first Nigerian woman to hold such a position at a national daily newspaper. She married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981 and remained a steadfast partner through the turbulent years that followed the annulment of the June 12 election.
Her career in journalism spanned over three decades, during which she contributed immensely to the growth and professionalism of the Nigerian media. She also served in various national capacities within the media industry.
Dr. Doyin Abiola leaves behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and journalistic excellence.
