Late Abiola’s wife and Icon of Nigerian Journalism, Doyin Abiola, passes on at 82

Dr. Doyin Abiola, a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and former Managing Director of National Concord, has passed away at the age of 82.

Family sources confirmed that she died peacefully at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday following a brief illness.

Dr. Abiola made history as the first Nigerian woman to become both the editor and, later, the managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper.

She was also the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

Throughout her illustrious career, she shattered gender barriers and played a significant role in redefining Nigeria’s media landscape.
Her contributions laid a foundation for generations of female journalists and helped shape the course of print journalism in the country.

Born in 1943, Abiola studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969. She began her career at the Daily Sketch, where her column Tiro gained wide readership for its bold commentary on public affairs, especially issues affecting women.

In 1970, she travelled to the United States to further her education, earning a Master’s degree in Journalism.

Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose through the ranks to become Group Features Editor. She later earned a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

Her career reached a significant milestone in 1980 when she was appointed the founding editor of National Concord, a newspaper established by business magnate and politician Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. She would go on to become Managing Director of the media group in 1986.

In 1981, she married Chief MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the presumed winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Throughout her husband’s political struggles and incarceration, Dr. Abiola stood as a symbol of strength and quiet resilience.

Beyond her newsroom leadership, Dr. Abiola contributed meaningfully to journalism education and media development in Nigeria.

She chaired the nomination panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) and served on Ogun State University’s advisory council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.

Her lifelong commitment to excellence in journalism earned her several prestigious honors, including the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986 and the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, making her only the second woman to receive that distinction after Mrs. Omobola Onajide.

She leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to truth and public service.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.