The Nigerian media community is grieving the loss of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a trailblazing journalist and the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper in Nigeria.
Dr. Abiola, widow of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:15 p.m.
She was 82. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigerian journalism, where she shattered glass ceilings for women.
The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), where Dr. Abiola was a trustee until her death, expressed profound sorrow.
NPAN President Kabiru Yusuf stated, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and trustee, Dr. Doyin Abiola. Even at 82, her passing shocks us.”
The statement celebrated her immense contributions to journalism and her lasting influence on the industry.
A Groundbreaking Career
Dr. Abiola’s career was defined by historic milestones. Born in 1943, she earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969.
She began writing at Daily Sketch, where her column “Tiro” addressed social and gender issues. In 1970, she pursued a master’s degree in journalism in the United States, later obtaining a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
Back in Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a features writer, eventually becoming Group Features Editor and serving on its editorial board alongside notable journalists like Stanley Macebuh and Dele Giwa.
In 1980, she became the first female editor of National Concord, a major national daily. By 1986, she broke another barrier as the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group, leading it for over 30 years and establishing it as a leading voice in Nigerian media.
Lasting Legacy and Honors
Dr. Abiola’s achievements earned her widespread recognition.
She received the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman honored.
In 1986, she was named an Eisenhower Fellow, reflecting her global impact. She also chaired the first Nigerian Media Merit Awards and served on the Advisory Council of Ogun State University’s Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
Dr. Abiola stood firmly by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola, during the political crisis following the 1993 election annulment. Her dedication to journalism, gender equality, and democratic values inspired countless individuals.
Tributes Pour In
President Bola Tinubu hailed her as a “media trailblazer” and a “champion of democracy.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her an “icon” who mentored many journalists. The NPAN offered condolences to her family, including her daughter Doyinsola, and the broader media community, praying for strength during this loss.
Dr. Abiola’s passing leaves a void in Nigerian journalism, but her pioneering spirit continues to inspire. Her legacy as a media icon endures, shaping the industry for generations.
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