The remains of Dr. (Mrs.) Doyinsola Abiola, pioneering journalist and wife of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was today laid to rest in Lekki, Lagos, after a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
The burial marked the conclusion of a series of events that began on Tuesday with a night of tributes at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, friends, and colleagues celebrated her life of trailblazing achievements in journalism and service to Nigeria.
The funeral service, officiated by Ven. Henry Adelegan, Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, featured Bible readings by family and associates. Psalm 91 was read by Midun Tobun, while the Epistle, from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, was read by Suru Aboaba.
Delivering the sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson reflected on Abiola’s life through the theme of restoration and hope.
He recalled her groundbreaking role in the media industry, describing her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” citing her many firsts, including becoming Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to head a national newspaper as managing director and editor-in-chief of the National Concord.
“She stood firmly with her husband during the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy, using Concord Newspapers to win the battle of hearts and minds,” Bishop Johnson said, adding that her legacy would endure through the generations she mentored and inspired.
The bishop also used the occasion to call attention to Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, urging the government to intensify efforts to ease the burden on citizens.
The service was attended by a roll call of dignitaries, including the representative of President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode; and former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Others present were Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; Femi Adesina, former presidential aide; Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola; Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine; Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times; and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
Following the service, her body was conveyed to her final resting place in Lekki, where she was interred amid prayers and tributes.
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, who passed away at age 82 on August 5, 2025, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a steadfast advocate for democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and devotion left an indelible mark on the nation.
It was a torrent of tributes yesterday for former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief (MD/EiC) of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola.
The Night of Tributes was organised in honour of Dr. Abiola, who died on August 5 at 82.
She was married to the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election, who was denied victory by the annulment of his election and detained. He died in custody in 1998.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu, former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, ministers and seasoned media practitioners, including Vanguard newspapers Publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu, thronged the Harbour Point Victoria Island, Lagos venue of the farewell reception.
The goodwill messages by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Ghanaian President John Kufuor, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, literary giant Prof Wole Soyinka and many others were read at the ceremony.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Dr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
The dignitaries took turns to celebrate the trailblazing career and indelible impact of the deceased, who was the first woman to be appointed newspaper editor in Nigeria.
In his message, President Bola Tinubu described her as an “Amazon and icon in Nigerian journalism” who broke gender barriers by becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper.
“She embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, and dedication to the public good. Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership, her championing of women’s empowerment and her commitment to democracy,” Tinubu said.
Kufuor recalled his first encounter with Mrs. Abiola in 2000, praising her humility and foresight.
“She was charming, eloquent, and gracious. She told me I would win the elections – and she was right. She played a role in deepening ties between Ghana and Nigeria,” the former Ghananian president wrote in his tribute.
Speaking through the Lagos SSG, the First Lady hailed Dr. Abiola as a pathfinder for women in public life.
Mrs. Tinubu said: “She was a pioneer whose brilliance and courage opened doors for many women and set a standard of excellence for all.
“As the first female editor of a national newspaper in Nigeria… she broke barriers in a male-dominated field… Her work not only strengthened Nigerian journalism but also gave birth to truth and progress.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late journalist as “a woman of substance, strength, and extraordinary vision” who redefined possibilities for women in Nigeria.
“She shattered glass ceilings with quiet dignity, inspiring generations of women to believe that no dream was beyond their reach. As the first female editor of a national newspaper in Nigeria, her intellect, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to truth left an indelible mark on the media landscape and on the nation at large,” he said.
Prince Abiodun also lauded Dr. Abiola’s career and described her as “a phenomenon who broke barriers and redefined possibilities for women in Nigerian media.”
The Ogun governor wrote: “Her journey through life has been one of purpose, integrity, and outstanding service, given her distinguished career in journalism. She was a phenomenon who broke barriers and redefined possibilities for women in the Nigerian media landscape.”
Nobel laureate Soyinka described her as “the sturdy, immovable boulder behind the Protagonist of June 12”, lauding her courage in keeping the Concord titles alive during Nigeria’s darkest democratic struggles.
Fashola, who likened her to a mother-figure, stated: “She was determined to ensure that I didn’t let myself down”.
Eminent journalist and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, who was represented by his wife Derin, recounted the deceased early days in journalism, noted that she proved she was “no pushover” in the male-dominated newsroom.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described her as “an outstanding Amazon and worthy daughter of Egbaland.”
Ministers Dele Alake (Solid Mineral Development) and Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole praised the late Dr. Abiola for her intellectual rigour and personal mentorship.
Her family offered deeply personal reflections.
Mr. Bamise Tobun, her son-in-law, went emotional. He said: “I have written and rewritten this tribute so many times in the past month… but how do you truly capture in words a life so great, yet so gracious?
“Grandma, I often joked that you were my ‘second wife’ because I knew that you and Doyinsola came as a package deal.”
Her daughter, Mrs. Doyin Abiola-Tobun, recalled her mother’s devotion both as a wife and as a patriot.
She said: “You modelled true commitment and dedication, submitting yourself entirely, including your intellect and career, to the benefit of your spouse. Your unwavering honour for your husband lasted until your last breath and through your actions.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Abiola was remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and patriot.
She was celebrated not only for her pioneering role in journalism, but also for her activism during and after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election .
As prayers and solemn reflections dropped the curtain on the Night, the consensus was clear: the life lived by the late Mrs. Abiola was a beacon of courage, excellence, and service to Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations.
Some of the dignitaries at the event are: former editors of Concord Mr. Tunji Bello, Mr Femi Adesina, eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo William, Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Mr Bisi Abiola, Mrs. Lola Abiola-Edewor; Mr Kola Abiola; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Chief Ibikunle Amosun, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Mr Dele Momodu; Louis Odion; Mrs. Nike Akande; Mrs. Abba Folawiyo; Mrs. Bolanle Abiola-Akande, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye and Mr. Aliu Mohammed.
Sir: Like a comet, late Doyin Abiola debuted like a meteor in the Nigerian journalism sphere in the 90s and since she quit the stage, her shoe has been too big for other women of her ilk to carry.
She symbolized the timeless Yoruba adage that “a child that will be great, will from the cradle reveal the trace of excellence”. Doyin Aboaba, later Abiola, rejected the offer of a Daily Times Woman Editor but instead preferred to accept a lower position of a features writer because what she saw as a budding journalist, the management of the former flagship of Nigerian journalism, failed to see.
She went ahead to become the paper’s Group Features Editor, a position that prepared her for great journalistic exploits by the time she moved to The Concord newspapers.
She became the editor of National Concord on merit; her appointment was historic in a predominantly male dominated position. Nigerian journalism began in 1859 with the publication of the Iwe Irohin by an Anglican cleric and missionary, Henry Townsend; till then no woman rose to such enviable editorial position. And ever since she left, no woman has again risen to such quintessential editorial position.
In addition to her brilliance and inimitable quick-wittedness, she was suave in editorial judgment and in sporting talented young individuals whom editors usually rely on to make her work easy. She loved intellectual exchanges and challenges and she abhorred cant and so as managing director and editor-in-chief, it was possible for her to raise journalistic stars in the then Concord group of newspapers.
She was also ideologically inclined and imbued, believing that a newspaper must stand for a purpose. Life entails a fight for something for it to be worth any while. The Concord of her time stood for the clear emancipation of Nigerians through a reformative and perceptible journalism practice.
The Weekend Concord edited by Mike Awonyinfa and assisted by Dimgba Igwe, was a must read in their days, because it captured the essence of a restive society always on the move.
Finally, late Doyin Abiola, symbolized the aphorism that the “pen is mightier than the sword”. Without raising any gun or sword, she brought to standstill all the adversaries and malcontents of June 12, 1993 dastardly annulment of her husband’s well deserved victory.
Finally, the June 12 episode was a generational epic battle of a no mean phenomenon and definitely, she played her role as a general and had departed the stage when the ovation was loudest.
The phrase “Gentlemen of the Press” used for both male and female journalists, has no known origin. But it became popularised following the 1929 American film by Walter Huston, who portrayed the life of a professional journalist deprived of joy of ordinary life due to the exigencies of duty.
So, with time, the phrase acquired a universal application in public discourse as a form of greeting where journalists are gathered. And despite the heroic efforts of “Women Liber” in the profession, the phrase has endured as standard greeting at press gatherings.
Surely, there are great women of the profession in history whose footprints far overshadow such gender murmurs and whose solid contributions belie any claim to male superiority. One of such exemplars was Dr. Doyin Abiola (née Aboaba), wife of our national hero Bashorun M.K.O Abiola, winner of the 1993 June 12 presidential election that gave birth to Nigeria’s present democracy. She had joined the journalism profession in 1970 with a degree from the prestigious University of Ibadan with her employment as Features Editor of then powerful Daily Times at Kakawa in Lagos Island.
By the time I joined the profession fresh from National Youth Service in October 1985, Dr Doyin Abiola had become one of its leading lights. With a Ph.D from the famous New York University, she was the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Concord Group of Newspapers, arguably the leading publication in Nigeria’s media industry where I began.
In my first two years in the Concord newsroom, I never came into personal contact with her. At best, our encounters were from afar: either that I was walking past her along the boardroom corridor or while in conversations with our senior editors. Of course, I was obliged to greet her with reverence.
But as time rolled by and I stepped up the ladder, I saw her as a super boss who was exceptional in professional creativity and in providing editorial leadership. She was a great risk-taker in the profession and was never afraid when it came to competition and professional judgement.
I was just six months in the position of Assistant Features Editor in 1989 when I was summoned to her office.“Tunji,” she asked, “the management is thinking of making you the Group Political Editor, but some senior editors are saying you are too young for such a role at just 28.”. My reply was, “Why don’t you give me a trial first?” Hearing me out, she replied, “Ok, we shall go ahead.”
We went on to set up a Political Desk of brilliant minds, who later became media stars such as Sam Omatseye as deputy, Victor Ifijeh, Olusegun Adeniyi, Louis Odion and Gboyega Amobonye, popularly called “Governor with unlimited mandate.”
Following the team’s excellent coverage of several political news stories including Gideon Okar’s failed coup against Babangida’s regime in 1990; our accurate prediction of Sir Michael Otedola as the next Governor of Lagos State in 1991- even when the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) was still counting the votes; the formation and eventual dissolution of political parties such as People’s Solidarity Party (PSP), the People’s Front (PF), and Liberal Convention (LC); the imposition of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) by Babangida’s regime; the visits to United Kingdom and the United States to report on the elections of John Major as Prime Minister and Bill Clinton as President respectively; the proposed publication of “EXCLUSIVE” on the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) meeting on proscription of June 12 election result in the Sunday Concord that almost led to the assassination of the Editor, Dele Alake, on Airport road by the regime’s goons, she would later remark to me, “You’ve never disappointed me.” And with the backing of our main editor then, Nsikak Essien (National Concord Editor), the sky was our limit.
Few months prior, she had started what was thought to be impossible — Nigeria’s first Saturday Newspaper. This was achieved using another great star of the journalism profession, Mike Awoyinfa. Egbon Mike was my former features editor and I worked as a senior staff writer under him. He had been redeployed from Sunday Concord as Assistant Editor to be Features Editor when Ola Amupitan left, and soon after transforming the features pages to a must-read for Nigerians, legendary Mike ascended again to become the editor of the new Saturday Newspaper with the late Dimgba Igwe as his deputy.
The newspaper was christened Weekend Concord. The Weekend Concord suddenly became Nigeria’s best-selling on the newsstands with its compelling human-angle approach and salacious news story about events and people.
She was not done yet. When the Babangida’s regime floated the idea of privatization of public enterprises in Nigeria, Dr Abiola summoned a select group of editors and editorial board members to a meeting on the need to study and report how it had been done in other countries. Consequently, editors were deployed to different parts of the world — about 20 countries where it had been done. I ended up visiting Mexico to do my own investigation. In the end, a book was produced on that experience, researched and written by Concord editors and senior staff.
She was never a political actor in a strict sense of politics. Her terrain was only the media. However, the annulment of June 12 election, won by her husband, transformed her. When Concord Group of Newspapers was shut down for almost two years by a combination of Babangida and Abacha’s regimes (a whole different story for another day), Dele Alake (then Editor of Sunday Concord and later National Concord), Segun Babatope, Chairman, Editorial Board and myself became her closest allies. It was like a confirmation of the political aphorism, “Never under-estimate a hitherto seemingly politically disinterested person when confronted with the challenge and reality of power politics.”
With no office to go to following the military barricade, she turned her residential apartment at Moshood Abiola crescent in Ikeja, Lagos to another fortress for us. Every day, the three of us would resume there to debate and work with some notable pro-democracy activists on daily moves while pretending that we were not being monitored by members of the state security service. We were constantly in touch with local Pro-June 12 activists and political exiles like our current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Her telephone and fax machines were at our beck and call. Sometimes, to shake off security trail, we had to use various decoys to enter and leave her house.
By the time Concord was reopened in early 1996 with Bashorun Abiola still in detention, a lot of advertisers and suppliers deserted us out of fear of General Sani Abacha and his media crackdowns. After being left to bear the brunt, she stood tall as a leader and encouraged us to persevere.
Dele Alake resumed as National Concord Editor and I took over as Sunday Concord Editor. And when Alake left to join Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s executive council in Lagos in 1999, she appointed me the National Concord Editor. We had thought the 1999 return to democracy was the salvation point following the death of our publisher in July 1998, but it was going to be the turning-point for the Newspaper empire. The family politics and antagonism also set in.
We needed substantial capital to rejuvenate Concord. Fortunately, there was a significant asset which Lagos State Water Corporation was interested in and we agreed to sell it with Governor Tinubu’s endorsement. The payment was about to be finalized by the LASG when we saw a caveat emptor from some members of Abiola’s family in some newspapers. That was the end of the transaction. This was followed by several other frustrations. And staff became disillusioned.
In November 2000, I walked up to her office to let her know I was resigning. She became disheartened and asked me to think it through. I asked for a month leave and it was from there I sent in my letter of resignation. My resignation triggered some others. Kayode Komolafe as editor of Sunday Concord also resigned. Two days after learning of my resignation, Publisher of THISDAY, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, gave me a call and offered me the Chairmanship of Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers.
Despite my departure from Concord, I grew even closer to the beloved media empress, Dr. Doyin Abiola, her wonderful only daughter, Doyin, and her husband Bamise. I commiserate with them. And like a chapter in every book, it must have an end. Dr Doyin Abiola has left us to join her great husband, MKO. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Goodnight, Aunty Doyin!
Goodbye, Mummy Doyin!
•Bello, Political Scientist, Lawyer and Public Administrator, is former editor of the National Concord and later Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers, past Secretary to the Lagos State Government and Commissioner for the Environment, is currently the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC
Ex-Concord staff members pay condolence visits to family in Lekki
The Moshood Abiola family has fixed September 9 to 12 for the funeral programmes of the late Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the defunct Concord Press of Nigeria, Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola.
Nigeria’s first female Editor of a national newspaper died on August 5, after a brief illness.
She was 82.
Details of the burial arrangements have not been unveiled.
But a daughter of the journalism icon, Mrs. Doyin Abiola-Tobun, announced the three-day burial plan when she hosted a delegation of former Concord Press of Nigeria (CPN) workers, under the aegis of “The Great Concord Family”. The ex-workers were led by their Coordinator, Aliu Mohammed, on a condolence visit to the family house in Lekki yesterday.
Mrs. Abiola-Tobun said the family was excited by the visit of the former Concord workers, explaining that Concord Press was the peak of her late mother’s professional career and professional achievements.
“Your visit is so significant to the family. The Concord Group meant so much to my mother, and it contributed to whatever she achieved in life,” Mrs. Abiola-Tobun.
Speaking on the essence of the condolence visit, Aliu Mohammed, who was accompanied by Messers Gboyega Amoboye and Asu Beks, expressed gratitude that the family and other well-wishers received them and promised to carry the former workers along in the burial arrangements.
“The family was excited receiving the Concord delegation. To the family, Concord was the place Dr. Doyin Abiola hit the national and professional limelight. Her daughter, Dr. Abiola’s sisters, and other visitors we met were excited to see us.
“The daughter was happy when we gave her the booklet of the Great Concord Family that we complied a long time ago, of which our former MD/Editor-in-Chief (the late Dr. Doyin Abiola) played a very important role in its production.”
Commenting on the burial plan, Mohammed said: “The family has tentatively fixed the burial for September 9 to 12. They are going to have a service of songs and other programmes, which are yet to be announced.
“From what we heard, she (Dr. Abiola) is likely to be buried in the family house in Ikeja. Already, renovation works are going on there.”
The final burial rites for Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the defunct Concord Press of Nigeria, have been tentatively scheduled for September 7–9, 2025, in Lagos.
Nigeria’s first female Editor of a national newspaper, Dr. Abiola, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
Her daughter, Mrs. Doyin Abiola-Tobun, disclosed the three-day plan when a delegation of former Concord Press staff under the banner of The Great Concord Family, led by Coordinator Aliu Mohammed, paid a condolence visit to the family’s Ikeja home on Sunday.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, Mrs. Tobun described Concord Press as a defining chapter in her mother’s illustrious career, noting that the organisation played a key role in her professional achievements.
“The visit is so significant to the family. Concord Group meant so much to my mother, and it contributed to whatever she achieved in life,” she said.
Mohammed, accompanied by Gboyega Amoboye and Asu Beks, said the family warmly welcomed the delegation and assured that former staff would be carried along in the burial arrangements.
He added that the daughter and other relatives were delighted to receive a booklet compiled years ago by the Great Concord Family, in which Dr. Abiola played a pivotal role in production.
On the burial plan, Mohammed said, “The family has tenatively fixed the burial for 7th to 9th of September. They are going to have service of songs and other programmes, which are yet announced. From what we heard, she (Dr. Abiola) is likely to be buried in the family house in Ikeja. Already renovation works are going on there as of today.
The only daughter of the late journalism icon Dr. Doyinsola Abiola gave an insight yesterday into the kind of person her mother was beyond being a media personality.
Mrs. Doyin Abiola-Tobun and her husband Mr. Bamise Tobun spoke to The Nation reporter yesterday at their home in Lekki, Lagos in-between receiving people who came to pay condolence visit over the death on Tuesday of the first woman to be appointed editor in Nigeria.
Dr. Abiola was Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Concord Group of Newspapers founded by her late husband Chief Moshood Abiola, who won the 1993 presidential election.
Dr. Abiola died at 82.
“She was a principled woman with firm integrity, whose commitment to national progress and women’s empowerment was unwavering,” Mrs Abiola-Tobun said .
“She broke barriers with boldness and grace, inspiring her contemporaries and generations of young women.
“She believed journalism is a noble profession, and she took great pride in it.
“She would want young journalists to execute their duties with diligence and integrity.
“She felt strongly that the public must be able to trust what they read; that it must be authentic, uncompromised, and truthful.”
Mr. Tobun said his mother-in-law was a very determined woman whose humility only amplified the strength of her words and actions.
“She stood for forthrightness. She had immense patience and wisdom. Her belief in people was remarkable.
“She believed that with the right support, anyone could achieve greatness.
“She had huge hopes for Nigeria and always pushed for unity. She wanted a country that would stand tall and fulfil its potential.
“As a person, she represented elegance, class, humility, and humanity,” he said.
Also speaking on the late media mogul, Mr. Tunde Abiola, said she was a special lady; formidable, intelligent and stylish, adding that she was always a great company.
Praying for the repose of her soul, Bola Abiola noted that her wisdom, intelligence, sense of humour, and beautiful fashion sense would be remembered.
A family friend, Folakemi Onipede, recalled how her mother fondly called Dr. Abiola “Sisi Doyin” adding: “And she was indeed a Sisi – classy, beautiful and intelligent. She will be missed.”
Among the visitors who thronged the Lekki resident yesterday was a delegation of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) led by its President Mr. Eze Anaba, who is the Vanguard editor.
With him was Kabir Alabi Garba, Vice Chairman (West) of the NGE.
Also there was a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), which was led by the Provost Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, who himself is a former President of the NGE.
First Lady mourns
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu paid glowing tributes to the late media guru, saying her contributions to the growth of the media industry and the journalism profession cannot be overemphasised.
Senator Tinubu described her as a “distinguished journalist, media icon, and trailblazing Nigerian woman” whose life and career mirrored excellence and courage for women in the media and public service.
“Dr. Doyin Abiola’s contributions to the growth of journalism and the media industry in Nigeria are worthy of note.
“Her legacy of professionalism will continue to inspire all who believe in the power of the written word and the vital role of the press in nation-building…
“Goodnight, Auntie Doyin. May her soul rest in peace,” she said, sympathising with the bereaved family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers.
She was my journalism mother, says Mike Awoyinfa
In his tributes to Dr. Abiola, Mike Awoyinfa described her as his “journalism mother”, adding that she was a visionary leader who risked appointing him Weekend Concord Editor and shaping his career as a journalist.
“She was my professional mother,” Awoyinfa said, recounting how Dr Abiola called him into her office to share her brainwave for a distinct publication to rival Sunday newspapers.
Initially proposed as Saturday Concord, Awoyinfa said he suggested the name Weekend Concord, which she embraced.
“Despite scepticism from some members of her management team, who viewed the venture as risky and suggested starting Weekend Concord as a pullout within National Concord, Dr Abiola stood firm.”
Awoyinfa said Abiola entrusted him with leading the project, giving him the freedom to dream up the editorial content and design.
He said: “She took a big risk on me. She trusted me as one who could lead and carry out the vision of the newspaper. And thank God, I delivered.
“Oh my God! The mother of Weekend Concord is gone. Such a brilliant woman. Such a great leader. Such an innovative leader. Such a great newspaper manager. I can never ever forget her.
“My greatest mentor and role model from the feminine side. Rest in peace, Dr Doyinsola Abiola.”
She was notably the first woman to hold the positions of editor and managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper in Nigeria. As pioneer editor of National Concord daily in 1980, Dr Doyinsola Abiola (nee Aboaba) grabbed the headlines. It was a prominent newspaper, and she had been headhunted for the prestigious position, which underlined the credibility of her appointment. She made the news again when, in 1986, she became managing director/editor-in-chief of the Concord Group of Newspapers. In the same year, she was selected for the Eisenhower Fellowship in the US, the first Nigerian woman to participate in the international programme for “innovative leaders.” She continued setting records well beyond her active journalism years. In 2010, she was the first woman to receive the Wole Soyinka Lifetime Award for journalistic excellence, for being “an inspiration to the present crop of journalists, and will continue to be an inspiration for the future crop of journalists.” She was the second woman recipient of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME ceremony, “for her lifelong devotion to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy.” Her death on August 5, aged 82, brought back memories of her sense of professionalism and contribution towards a better society. She was well equipped for success in journalism. After getting a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969, she joined the Daily Sketch and worked as a reporter and columnist. She left the newspaper the following year for postgraduate studies in journalism, in America. She returned to Nigeria with a master’s degree. The Daily Times, a leading newspaper in the country at the time, wanted to employ her as a woman editor who would be responsible for a gender-focused section. She dramatically rejected the job offer because she saw it as downplaying her capability. This incident showed her sense of self-worth. The newspaper later employed her as features writer, validating her earlier stance, and she proved her worth by rising to the position of group features editor. In the mid-1970s, she again travelled to the US for further studies and returned to the country with a doctorate in Communications and Political Science, which she got from New York University in 1979. She returned to the Daily Times and was a member of the paper’s editorial board.
When the Concord opportunity came, she was ready for career advancement by virtue of her education and practice. She made a mark as editor; and under her leadership as managing director/editor-in-chief, the group grew into a journalism heavyweight that published 14 newspapers and magazines at its peak. Her Concord years spanned three decades, including trying times following the Babangida military regime’s annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by her husband and Concord publisher, Chief M.K.O. Abiola. She demonstrated impressive courage in the face of military dictatorship as the Abacha military regime moved against Chief Abiola’s businesses, including the Concord Group of Newspapers. “In 1995 soldiers were put on our premises and they destroyed the presses. The newspaper was proscribed for 18 months,” she recounted in a 2001 interview. She displayed her fighter side in the pro-democracy struggle, and fought on the side of truth and justice. Her expertise and experience earned her the position of chair of the awards nominating panel for the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) when it was established in 1992; she also served as chairperson of CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards. This demonstrated her standard-setting role locally and internationally. As chairperson, National Commission for Women Affairs, and a member of the steering committee of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), she showed her relevance beyond journalism. She was a role model not only to women in the country’s male-dominated media sector, but in Nigerian journalism generally.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and media community over the passing of veteran journalist and trailblazing media icon, Dr. Doyin Abiola.
In a condolence message released on Thursday, Senator Tinubu paid tribute to Dr. Abiola’s enduring contributions to Nigerian journalism, describing her as a “distinguished journalist, media icon, and trailblazing Nigerian woman” whose life and career blazed a trail of excellence and courage for women in the media and public service.
“Dr. Doyin Abiola’s contributions to the growth of journalism and the media industry in Nigeria are worthy of note. Her legacy of professionalism will continue to inspire all who believe in the power of the written word and the vital role of the press in nation-building”, the First Lady said.
Senator Tinubu expressed her deepest sympathies to the children, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, and associates of the late media doyenne, whom she fondly described as “Auntie Doyin.”
She concluded the tribute with a prayer for God’s comfort upon the bereaved and the peaceful repose of Dr. Abiola’s soul.
“Goodnight, Auntie Doyin. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.
Dr. Doyin Abiola was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished female media executives, having made significant strides in journalism, particularly during her time at the helm of National Concord newspaper.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, the trailblazing Nigerian journalist and publisher, whose profound impact on journalism, national development, and women’s empowerment is being fondly remembered across the country.
Widely celebrated for her pioneering role in the Nigerian media landscape, Dr. Abiola, wife of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola stood out as a symbol of courage, integrity, and patriotism.
Her daughter, Doyin Abiola-Tobun, described her as “a principled woman with firm integrity,” deeply devoted to Nigeria’s progress and the advancement of women.
“She believed strongly in the potential of women and lived a life that proved that limiting half the population made no sense,” she said.
Throughout her life, Dr. Abiola shattered glass ceilings with poise and purpose, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Whether in journalism, community service, or public engagement, she was known for always placing collective good above personal interest.
Her passion for journalism, in particular, stood out.
“She believed journalism is a noble profession. She would want young journalists to approach their duties with diligence and integrity. She believed the public deserved information that was authentic and uncompromised,” her daughter noted.
Dr. Abiola’s son-in-law, Bamise Tobun, echoed these sentiments, calling her “a very determined woman” whose humility amplified her strength.
“She had immense patience and wisdom. Her belief in people was remarkable—she believed that with the right support, anyone could achieve greatness,” he said.
“She wanted a united Nigeria that could stand tall among nations. She embodied elegance, class, humility, and humanity.”
The outpouring of emotion has also come from friends and extended family members who remember her fondly.
Morgan Edeubie offered simple but heartfelt words, “Rest in perfect peace, mama. Condolences to the entire family.”
Folakemi Onipede reminisced, “My mummy used to call her Sisi Doyin—and she was indeed a Sisi—classy, beautiful, and intelligent. She will be missed.”
Tunde Abiola wrote, “Mama was a special lady—formidable, intelligent, and stylish. Always the best company. She taught me so much.”
Bola Abiola added, “May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. We will remember your wisdom, intelligence, sense of humour, and beautiful fashion sense.”
As Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most respected voices in media and public service, the Abiola family has assured that funeral arrangements will be announced and widely publicised in due course.
