August 06, (THEWILL) — The management of Folio Media Group, publishers of Daily Times Newspapers, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its former staff and Editorial Board member, Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola (née Aboaba).
The veteran journalist and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, died on Tuesday, August 5, at the age of 82.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by Dr. Fidelis Anosike, Chairman/Publisher of Folio Media Group, the organisation described Dr. Abiola as a consummate journalist, a gifted writer, an advocate of social justice, and a champion of women’s rights.
Dr. Abiola began her career at Daily Times after returning from the United States, where she earned a Master’s degree in Journalism in 1970.
She joined the newspaper as a Features Writer and rose to the position of Group Features Editor.
She later left to pursue a PhD, returning to Daily Times as a member of its Editorial Board alongside notable journalists such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
Anosike recalled that Doyin Abiola, who went on to become the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, was the first woman to edit a daily newspaper in Nigeria, a groundbreaking achievement that marked her as a trailblazer for women in the media.
He urged the Abiola family to take solace in the fact that the late Doyin lived a fulfilled life and made immense contributions to journalism, national development, and the advancement of women in society.
Anosike said, “It is with great shock and sadness that I received the news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a former Features Writer with Daily Times who rose to become Group Features Editor and later a respected member of its Editorial Board.
“At a time when it was rare for women to attain leadership roles in journalism, she broke barriers and distinguished herself professionally. That she later went on to become the first woman editor of a daily newspaper in Nigeria is a loud testimony to her exceptional talent and dedication.”
He added that her pioneering achievements and leadership made her an inspiration to women journalists in particular and to the media industry at large.
He added, “We at Folio Media Group, and Daily Times in particular, join the rest of well-meaning Nigerians and the global media community to mourn the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola and pray for comfort for her family.”
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