August 06, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, veteran journalist and former Managing Director of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, describing her as “an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism.”
Dr. Abiola, aged 82, and wife of the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, passed away on Tuesday.
In a personally signed statement on Wednesday, President Tinubu said the late media trailblazer broke barriers in a male-dominated profession and paved the way for generations of women in journalism through her exemplary courage, intellect, and commitment to excellence.
“Doyin Abiola was not just a journalist. She was a pathfinder, the first woman to edit a national newspaper in Nigeria and the first female Managing Director of a daily publication,” Tinubu said.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969, Dr. Abiola began her career at Daily Sketch before joining the National Concord, a publication founded by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola. She rose to become its pioneer Editor in 1980 and later launched the Weekend Concord, which redefined human-interest journalism in Nigeria.
The President noted that her stewardship at Concord Newspapers earned her public admiration for her dedication to professionalism and the ethics of the newsroom.
Reflecting on her political involvement, Tinubu said his personal relationship with Dr. Abiola was strengthened by his closeness to her late husband, MKO Abiola.
“As MKO’s wife, Doyin became acquainted with politics and played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in his 1993 presidential campaign.
“After the annulment of the June 12 election, she boldly stood against the military’s clampdown and advocated for the validation of her husband’s mandate,” he said.
“She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.”
President Tinubu added that her legacy extended far beyond journalism, highlighting her dedication to women’s empowerment, democratic ideals, and national development.
“Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership in journalism, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her contributions to building a freer and fairer society,” the President stated.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, especially her daughter, Doyinsola, as well as to the governments and peoples of Ogun and Lagos states.
“May her soul rest in peace. And may our nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre,” the President concluded.
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