Doyin Abiola 1943–2025: A Pen Of Courage Stops Writing

The former managing director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord Newspapers, a woman with a pen of courage, Dr Doyin Abiola, is dead.

Doyin, a woman of many firsts, widow of the late business mogul and politician Chief MKO Abiola, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 82.

The eminent journalist, reputed to be the first female editor-in-chief of a national newspaper in the country, began her journalism journey in 1969 at the Daily Sketch. Her popular column “Tiro” addressed major societal issues, including gender advocacy, an issue rarely discussed.

As prominent Nigerians mourn her demise, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina, described the late seasoned journalist as knowledgeable and a consummate media professional.

Adesina, who worked with her at the National Concord, said, “Her death is unfortunate, excruciating, but I will say she lived a good life. She died at age 82. Of course, we would have been happier if she had lived longer, but she lived a good life, was very professional, and attained the highest level in journalism.

“She was the first woman to edit a national daily and the first woman to become managing director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily, which is National Concord, and she made her mark. She was respected nationally and internationally.

“Sadly, she has gone, but there is a time for everyone to go. She will be missed; she was not somebody too much in the public domain. You would know her only if your path crossed her own in the media, and then you would know her as a consummate professional.

“She insisted that things should be done rightly, and if you passed through her like we did, you would benefit a lot from her wealth of knowledge. She was very knowledgeable.”

Mike Awoyinfa, a former managing Director of Sun Newspaper who was part of National Concord Newspapers and worked closely with her, said he was devastated by the sad news.

“I am still devastated by the shocking news of Dr. Doyin Abiola’s death. I heard the news after midnight while watching a live tennis match. The world stood still for me,” says Awoyinfa.

Speaking further on the sad development and how she should be remembered, Mike Awoyinfa noted that her death was like losing a mother.

“In reality, she was my journalism mother, my professional mother.  In my shock and agony, I had to wake my wife from sleep to pass the news to her. She was equally devastated.

“Instantly, I knew the column I had written for Saturday on tennis had to change. I had to delve into the past and remember that three years ago, when she was 80, I wrote a tribute to her describing her as the “woman who took a big risk on me” by appointing me editor of the Weekend Concord, a unique human angle paper she conceived while on holidays abroad. She trusted me to lead and carry out the newspaper’s vision.

“When she met with her management and raised the issue, some thought it was risky. He should start Weekend Concord as a pullout inside National Concord, but she courageously opposed them and trusted me. And thank God, I delivered. And the rest is history.

“When I learnt of her death, I wrote these words on the Concord WhatsApp Forum: ‘Oh my God!  The mother of Weekend Concord is gone. Such a brilliant woman.  Such a great leader.  Such an innovative leader.  Such a great newspaper manager. I can never forget her.

“My greatest mentor and role model from the feminine side.  Rest in peace, Dr Doyinsola Abiola.” She was a visionary.  A leader.  A great newspaper woman to the core.  She was my mentor and mother.  May her soul rest in peace,” Awoyinfa mourns.

For Aliu Mohammed, the former editor of Sunday Concord and the administrator/coordinator of the former Concord Staff platform, her demise is a significant loss to the nation’s media industry.

Mohammed, currently the Chief Executive Officer of Magnate Communications Limited, a public relations and advertising company, said, “Dr. Doyin Abiola was an incredible woman and a true mentor. She was the managing director and editor-in-chief of Concord Press of Nigeria Unlimited and treated us like friends and family. Dr. Abiola was 100% committed to the profession of journalism. During her time at Concord, she ensured we avoided any trouble related to our publications.

“She would often call for stories that she felt might cause issues. When I was on the news desk, she would request our news schedule and review any story she believed could lead to a crisis. After reading the content, she would approve it if she deemed it acceptable.

“However, if she believed a story could harm Concord’s image and reputation, she would reject it and explain why it couldn’t be used. I recall a situation involving Obafemi Awolowo University, where I wrote a story about the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wande Abimbola. I had gone to Lagos with a friend to meet Bashorun Moshood Abiola, and during that meeting, I presented a heap of documents regarding the situation at the university. Even the Vice Chancellor was left speechless.

“Dr. Abiola stood firmly behind me during that meeting. She communicated to the chairman, uncertainly, that I had not done anything wrong as a journalist.

“I was genuinely impressed and relieved because I feared being dismissed. When I faced the Vice Chancellor and the late Ooni of Ife, who accused me of trying to harm them, I clarified that I was doing my job. He said I was being unprofessional and that I was harming the university.

“By the end of the day, though, he became my friend and offered assistance whenever I needed help. I maintained that friendship with him until his passing and with Professor Wande Abimbola. The outcome could have been very different if Dr. Abiola hadn’t supported me then.

“Dr. Abiola was a remarkable professional who treated us like friends and younger siblings. She even took the younger staff at Concord under her wing, treating them like her own children. Even after Concord was shut down, she stayed in touch with many of us and felt remorseful about the unpaid salaries owed before the closure. This speaks volumes about the kind of person Dr. Ndoyi Abiola was. We can only pray that her soul rests in perfect peace.”

 

 Career

She left for the United States in 1970 and bagged a master’s degree in journalism.

When she returned to the country, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She later secured a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

She also served on the Daily Times editorial board, working alongside greats like Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan.

Doyin was thereafter appointed as editor-in-chief of Daily National Concord, which was owned by the late MKO Abiola, before eventually becoming the managing director and editor-in-chief in 1986. She became the first Nigerian woman to hold such a top role at a national daily.

The woman whose name remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape got married to Chief MKO Abiola in 1981.

To her credit, she stood firm with the Abiola family through their political tribulations following the annulment of her late husband’s June 12, 1993, presidential election victory.

 

Doyin Abiola Set Standards, Fought for June 12- Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, describing her as a pioneering journalist, a courageous democrat, and a towering figure who not only redefined media leadership but also stood firm during Nigeria’s fight for democracy.

Dr. Abiola, 82, who passed away on Wednesday, was the former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers and the wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

In a statement personally signed by President Tinubu on Wednesday, the late media icon was described as “an Amazon” who broke gender barriers in Nigerian journalism, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and later the first female Managing Director of a major daily publication.

“Doyin Abiola set standards,” Tinubu said. “She embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to public good and democratic governance.”

According to the President, Dr. Abiola’s media career, which began at the Daily Sketch after she graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1969, was marked by innovation and impact. As the pioneer editor of National Concord in 1980, she championed people-focused journalism and later oversaw the publication of Weekend Concord, which set a new tone in human-interest storytelling.

Tinubu recalled his relationship with the late Doyin Abiola, which stemmed from his close ties to MKO Abiola. He highlighted her pivotal role during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“As MKO’s wife, Doyin became deeply involved in politics. She mobilised and guided the media in support of democracy. When the military shut down the Concord Group, she stood her ground. She fought for the validation of the June 12 mandate. She was a soldier of democracy in her own right,” the President said.

He said Dr. Abiola’s contributions extended beyond journalism. She laid the groundwork for generations of women to rise in media and public life.

“Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing of women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy,” he said.

President Tinubu expressed condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola, and the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.

“May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree,” the statement concluded.

 

Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Mourn

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, the first former female Managing Director and Publisher of the National Concord newspapers and wife of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the late Abiola, who died on Tuesday at 82, as an Amazon in the media industry.

He said Dr. Doyin Abiola contributed her quota to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria during her lifetime, especially at a younger age, as a reporter, features writer, group features editor, and the first Nigerian woman to be an editor and Managing Director of a Nigerian national daily.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Dr. Doyin Abiola’s death is a significant loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with the Abiola family over the death of an accomplished journalist and media manager, Dr. Doyin Abiola. I also commiserate with the deceased friends, colleagues, and journalists in Nigeria.

 

Doyin: Abiola’s Family In Crucial Meeting, To Fly Corpse Back From China To Nigeria

Following the sad news of her death, family members have been holding meetings to fine tune preparations for the funeral of the former Managing Director of the defunct Concord Newspaper, Dr. Doyin Abiola, who breathed her last Tuesday evening at the age of 82.

LEADERSHIP reliably gathered that the family embarked on marathon meetings, which started around 9a.m. Wednesday morning and did not end until around 7: 30.p.m, principally bothered on how to fly back the corpse of the wife of the late winners of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola to Nigeria from China where she breathed her last.

Head of the Abiola Fami, Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola who informed LEADERSHIP exclusively in the Ogun State capital via a text message confirmed that arrangements were in top gear towards ensuring that the corpse is brought back home safely.

The message reads: “Good evening, so sorry, is meeting to meetings, she died in China, as soon the arrangement is in place I will notify you. Nice night”.

 

NPAN, NGE mourn first female editor

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of its most distinguished members, Dr. Doyin Abiola (née Aboaba), who died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, NPAN President Kabiru Yusuf described Dr. Abiola as a quintessential journalist and media icon whose impact on Nigerian journalism remains indelible.

“Though she lived to the ripe age of 82, this by no means lessens the shock of receiving the news of her passing,” he said.

“She was our sister, friend, colleague, and a trustee of our esteemed Association. Her contributions to journalism were not just pioneering but transformative.”

Dr. Abiola was a trailblazer in the Nigerian media landscape. In 1980, she made history as the first woman to be appointed editor of a national daily newspaper when she assumed the role at National Concord.

Six years later, in 1986, she broke another barrier by becoming the first Nigerian woman to head a newspaper conglomerate, serving as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Newspapers Group.

“A record-breaker and an inspiration to many, she carried the torch of excellence with unmatched grace and commitment.

Her service to the newspaper industry was unrelenting—right up until her final days,” the statement read.

Until her death, Dr. Abiola remained a trustee of NPAN and received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), further cementing her legacy as one of the nation’s most accomplished media figures.

“On behalf of the Executive Council of our esteemed Association, we commiserate with her entire family, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, and former staff of the defunct Concord Newspapers,” NPAN added.

“We pray that the Almighty God will console and uphold everyone. Once again, our condolences.”

Meanwhile, The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a trailblazing journalist and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the now-defunct Concord Newspapers.

In a statement, NGE President Eze Anaba praised Dr. Abiola’s pioneering contributions to the media industry, noting her role in breaking gender barriers and mentoring countless journalists who have significantly impacted the profession.

“Dr. Abiola’s career was remarkable,” Anaba said.

“From starting as a reporter, she rose to become the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first female Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief in Nigeria. Her leadership helped shape the journalistic landscape in this country.”

Anaba also highlighted Dr. Abiola’s steadfast dedication to press freedom, gender equity, and national development.

“Her courage and resilience during the military era, when she faced harassment and threats while leading Concord Newspapers, stand as a testament to her commitment and bravery,” he added.

As the NGE mourns her loss, the Guild calls on journalists and Nigerians to celebrate Dr. Abiola’s life and legacy.

“Her achievements remind us that true legacy is defined by the positive impact one leaves behind. Dr. Abiola’s work inspires excellence, passion, and determination—transcending gender and circumstances.”

The Guild prays for the peaceful repose of Dr. Abiola’s soul and honours a life dedicated to advancing the ideals of journalism in Nigeria.

 

Doyin Abiola:

Life And Times Of Nigeria’s Media Amazon

One of Nigeria’s finest media personalities, Doyin Abiola, died on Tuesday night. Regarded as Nigeria’s media Amazon, she was a former managing director and publisher of National Concord, a prestigious media outfit that contributed in reshaping the media industry.

It is little wonder that her demise was felt across Nigeria’s media landscape. Beyond her gender was a strength that defied odds in the media terrain.

 

Record breaker

Dr. Abiola (nee Aboaba) was a record breaker.

As editor of the National Concord in 1980, she was the first woman to be named editor of a national daily.

By 1986 when she was named managing director and editor-in-chief, she had attained the position of the first Nigerian woman to manage a vibrant national newspaper group.

Another first was to follow. She became the first Nigerian woman selected to participate in the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.

She however was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award after Mrs. Omobola Onajide.

She attended the University of Ibadan and earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. Thereafter she took to journalism as a career. She was a reporter with the Daily Sketch, where she did column writing.

Her weekly column, named Tiro, addressed matters of public concern, gender inclusive.

Before long she travelled to the United States for a Master’s programme in Journalism. Upon her return to Nigeria, an offer to be Woman Editor at the Daily Times was made to her which she turned down. She would not be stereotyped. She was ready to play in the big leagues.

She subsequently got employment as a Features Writer. Expectedly, she was promoted to the Group Features Editor.

Eager for more, she embarked on her doctoral programme in Journalism in the United States on study leave.

By 1979, she returned to the Daily Times but was assigned to the Editorial Board. There, she basked in the fellowship of other brilliant journalistic minds like, Amma Ogan, Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh.

Not long after, Concord Group of Newspapers sought her to be its pioneer daily editor, where she spent three decades contributing to the shaping of journalism practice in Nigeria.

After Concord, she kept on giving the media industry her time and expertise especially through mentorship.

She served as chairperson of Awards Nominating panel at the Nigerian Media Merit Award.

She was also chairperson of CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.

The Trustees of DAME unanimously approved her recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME.

 

Home front and politics

Doyin was the widow of the first publisher and proprietor of National Concord Newspaper Chief Moshood Abiola whom she married in 1981.

Doyin was actively involved in her husband’s contest for the Nigerian presidency in 1993.

She brought her journalistic brilliance to work. She mobilised and provided direction for the media.

She was equally front and centre after the June 12 election, won by her husband, was annulled.

She was brave in the face of the military junta’s shutdown of the Concord Group. She stood firm in demanding the validation of the election.