President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, the widow of late Chief MKO Abiola.
Tinubu described her as a pioneering journalist, 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 wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
President Tinubu, in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, further described the late media icon 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 her graduation from the University of Ibadan in 1969, was marked by innovation and impact.
As the pioneer editor of National Concord in 1980, Tinubu said the deceased also championed people-focused journalism and later oversaw the publication of Weekend Concord, which set a new tone in human-interest storytelling.
Tinubu recalled his personal 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 the political process. 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 noted that Dr. Abiola’s contributions extended beyond journalism, as she laid the groundwork for generations of women to rise in both 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.
