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Summary
Dr. Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s first female Editor-in-Chief and the wife of the Late MKO Abiola, has died at the age of 82. For over thirty years, she broke gender barriers and shaped national media, including the Daily Times, leaving behind a legacy of courage and excellence.
Dr. Doyin Abiola, a trailblazing journalist, former managing director and editor-in-chief of National Concord, and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, died at 82.
She died at 9:15 p.m. on August 5 following a period of illness, according to family sources.
Dr. Doyin was widely celebrated as the first Nigerian woman to become editor and later managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. Her journalism career spanned over three decades, during which she helped shape national discourse, broke gender barriers, and mentored generations of media professionals.
Born in 1943, Doyin Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she authored the popular column Tiro, focusing on social and gender issues.
In 1970, she left Nigeria for further studies in the United States. She obtained a Master’s degree in Journalism and a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
On her return to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and later became Group Features Editor. Rejecting an offer to serve as “Woman Editor,” a position she felt limited her potential, she insisted on being assessed by her skills, not her gender.
Dr. Doyin joined the editorial board of Daily Times, where she worked alongside notable journalists such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. In 1980, she became the pioneer editor of the newly established National Concord, and by 1986, she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, making her one of the most powerful figures in Nigerian media.
Under her leadership, the Concord Group expanded to include over a dozen newspapers and magazines. Despite facing political challenges, including the proscription of National Concord during General Sani Abacha’s regime, Dr. Doyin remained committed to press freedom and journalistic integrity.
Beyond the newsroom, she contributed significantly to developing the Nigerian media landscape. She chaired the nomination panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA), served on the Advisory Council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University, and was Chairperson of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.
In recognition of her contributions, she received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.
Dr. Doyin Abiola leaves an enduring legacy of courage, professionalism, and excellence in Nigerian journalism.
