Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, NGE, NPAN, Alake, others pay tribute as Abiola’s widow, Doyin, dies at 82

A former Managing Director of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, Doyin Abiola, has died at the age of 82.

Doyin Abiola,who was the widow of the late Chief MKO Abiola, reportedly died on Tuesday night.

She was educated at the University of Ibadan, where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969.

In 1980, she emerged as the pioneer Editor of National Concord, owned by the late MKO Abiola.

She was promoted as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Newspaper in 1986, becoming the first Nigerian woman to become the Editor-in-Chief of a daily newspaper in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Minis- ter of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake and other eminent Nigerians have mourned the death of Doyin Abiola.

In their separate condolence messages, they noted her contributions to journalism profession and other areas of human activities.

Doyin Abiola, was a scion of Aboaba family in Abeokuta, Ogun State and journalism profession in Nigeria.

Tinubu in his condolence said, Doyin embodied integ- rity, Tenacity, hardworking, commitment to excellence and dedication.

“She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first Managing Director of a daily newspaper.

“Her immense contribu- tions to journalism and gen- der equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democ- racy was even more pro- found.

“Doyin embodied integrity, Tenacity, hardworking, commitment to excellence and dedication to public good and democratic good governance.

Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described her death as a great loss to the media industry.

The governor was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, as recalling that during her lifetime, especially, at a younger age, Abiola contributed her quota to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.

He described the deceased as an accomplished journalist and media manager, adding that she was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria, having nurtured and given opportunities to many media practitioners who had become leading voices in the journalism profession and leaders in different sectors.

In the same vein, The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in a condolence message signed by Eze Anaba and OnuohaUkeh, the president and general secretary respectively, mourned the death

of Doyin Abiola, who was a trailblasing journalist .

It stated that legacy is a testament to her pioneering spirit, breaking down gender barriers and mentoring generations of journalists who have gone on to become great professionals.

“Her remarkable career trajectory, from reporter to the pinnacle of journalism, sets records as the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first woman to hold the position of Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a newspaper in Nigeria.

“Doyin Abiola’s leadership, dedication to excellence and commitment to press free dom, gender equity and na- tional development have left an indelible mark on the profession,” said the NGA. In his tribute, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, praised late Doyin Abiola for her immense contributions to journalism profession which spanned many decades.

The tribute read, “A seminal reflection of this interesting foray into knowledge indicated a zig-zag, trapeze dance between theory and practice, private and public media practice. For instance, she started her journalism practice at Daily Sketch, a regional newspaper of the defunct Western State Government in 1969.

She was, indeed, a news man, trained for the job with an incredible passion for investigation and staying power for following up till the end of each episode.

She showed her motherly disposition in the provision of conducive working condi- tions and personal interest in staff welfare and professional development at the National Concord.

Also, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), has mourned the demise of its Trustee, Doyin Abiola.

NPAN, in a statement signed by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, stated that though, she lived to the ripe age of 82 years, this by no means mit- igate the shock of receiving the news of her passage .

The statement read, ‘A quitensential journalist and media guru, Doyin Abiola, was a record breaker in the Nigerian media space, being the first woman to be named editor of a national daily with her appointment in 1980, as Editor , National Concord .

“In 1986, she also became the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group, as she was named the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord

Newspapers Group. “In all, we take solace in the fact that she left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and served the industry till her death.”

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