Dr. Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s first female editor of a national daily newspaper and former Managing Director and Publisher of the National Concord, has passed away.
Family sources confirmed that she died at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5. She was the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
A trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola began her career at the Daily Sketch in 1969, where she created the influential column Tiro, focusing on public interest and gender issues.
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In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism. Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She later returned to the U.S., earning a PhD in Communications and Political Science in 1979.
After her doctorate, she rejoined Daily Times and worked on the editorial board alongside media icons such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
Shortly afterward, she was invited to become the pioneer editor of the National Concord, and in 1986, she was promoted to Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, making her the first Nigerian woman to lead a national newspaper in that capacity.
Her career at National Concord spanned over three decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping Nigerian journalism. Beyond the newsroom, she also served in various capacities within the media industry and contributed to national development initiatives.
Dr. Doyin Abiola married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981. Her legacy as a pioneer and symbol of excellence in journalism will remain indelible.
