Dr. Doyin Abiola, a legendary figure in Nigerian journalism and the beloved wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has passed away. She died peacefully at 9:15pm on Tuesday, August 5, at the age of 82.
A trailblazer by every definition, Dr. Abiola made history as the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily newspaper in Nigeria. But her story stretches far beyond her marriage to the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Her journalism journey began in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where she quickly made waves with her bold column, Tiro. Through sharp and courageous commentary, she tackled social justice and gender issues—topics rarely given attention in the male-dominated media of her time.
In 1970, she left Nigeria to pursue further education in the United States, earning a master’s degree in journalism. On her return, she joined the Daily Times and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Group Features Editor.
Never one to stop learning, Dr. Abiola returned to the U.S. to complete a PhD in Communications and Political Science in 1979. When she came back home, she joined the Daily Times editorial board, where she worked alongside respected journalists like Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh.
Her career hit a remarkable milestone in the 1980s when she became the pioneer daily editor at National Concord—a newspaper founded by her husband. In 1986, she shattered yet another glass ceiling when she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold such a position.
Dr. Abiola led National Concord for over three decades, mentoring countless journalists and playing a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape. She was a steady hand through turbulent times and a fierce protector of journalistic integrity.
She married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981, and was a loyal and powerful presence during his political journey and the crisis that followed the annulled June 12 elections.
Today, Dr. Doyin Abiola is mourned not just as a media pioneer, but as a woman of courage, intellect, and principle. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and resilience that will inspire generations to come.
