President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, a pioneering journalist and former Managing Director of the now-defunct Concord Group of Newspapers. She died early Wednesday at the age of 82.
In a heartfelt statement from the State House, President Tinubu described Dr. Abiola as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a fearless advocate for democracy, and a strong voice for women’s empowerment.
“Doyin Abiola was an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism,” the President said. “She broke the gender barrier by becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first Managing Director of a daily newspaper. Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women.”
Dr. Abiola began her journalism career in 1969 as a reporter with the Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan with a degree in English and Drama. She made history in 1980 when she became the pioneer editor of National Concord, founded by her husband, the late Bashorun MKO Abiola. She later rose to become the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of all Concord titles, including the groundbreaking Weekend Concord.
President Tinubu praised her professional integrity, hard work, and commitment to democratic ideals. “She embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the public good and democratic governance,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late media icon, Tinubu recalled her pivotal role during the historic 1993 presidential election. As the wife of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of that annulled election, Dr. Abiola mobilized the media and took an active role in demanding the validation of the vote.
“When the June 12 election was annulled, and the military junta shut down the Concord Group, she did not stand aside,” the President noted. “She also joined the fray, demanding the validation of the election. She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.”
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, Dr. Abiola’s only daughter, Doyinsola, and the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.
“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. “May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree.”
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s media and democratic history.