August 06, (THEWILL) — Veteran journalist and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola (née Aboaba), is dead.
She died at about 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a family source. She was 82.
Dr. Abiola, the first female Managing Director of the defunct National Concord newspapers, was a trailblazer in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Born in Igbajo, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, she studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969.
Fondly called “Doyin,” she began her journalism career as a reporter with the Daily Sketch, where she also wrote a popular weekly column, Tiro, that tackled public interest and gender-related issues. She later left for the United States to pursue a master’s degree in journalism.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she turned down a position as Women’s Editor at Daily Times, insisting she didn’t want to be pigeonholed. Instead, she joined as a features writer and rose to become Group Features Editor.
She later earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science in New York in 1979 and rejoined the Daily Times, where she served on the editorial board alongside respected editors like Stanley Macebuh and Dele Giwa.
Shortly after, she was invited to join the newly established National Concord as its pioneer daily editor. In 1986, she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold that position at a national daily newspaper.
Her time at Concord spanned over three decades, during which she helped shape public discourse and elevate the media house to national prominence.
A recipient of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Abiola was honoured for her enduring contribution to journalism and democracy. She was the second woman to receive the DAME Lifetime Achievement Award after Mrs. Omobola Onajide.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
