Nigerian leaders and media stakeholders have continued to pay glowing tributes to Dr. Doyin Abiola, the late media icon and widow of Chief MKO Abiola, who passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, as well as the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), all described her as a towering figure whose legacy shaped Nigeria’s media and democratic journey.
Tinubu: “She Was a Soldier of Democracy”
In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu hailed Dr. Abiola as a “soldier of democracy” whose contributions to journalism, nation-building, and the June 12 struggle will never be forgotten.
“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound,” Tinubu said.
He noted her bravery during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola. He praised her leadership at the Concord Group, which played a pivotal role in championing democratic values despite the military clampdown.
Governor Abiodun:
“A Distinguished Individual and Defender of Democracy”
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed deep sorrow over Dr. Abiola’s passing, describing her as a remarkable woman and a staunch defender of democracy.
“Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character,” he said.
Governor Abiodun highlighted her unwavering role during the post-June 12 election crisis, emphasizing her courage in standing by her husband and using her media influence to uphold democratic ideals.
Sanwo-Olu:
“She Was an Amazon of the Media Industry”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media, Gboyega Akosile, said Dr. Abiola’s death was a significant loss to the journalism profession.
“She etched her name in gold in the media industry as the first Nigerian woman to be an editor and Managing Director of a national daily,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He described her as a role model who mentored and nurtured generations of journalists who have gone on to become leaders in various sectors.
NPAN:
“A Quintessential Journalist and Media Guru”
The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), in a statement signed by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, described Dr. Abiola as a trailblazer and media legend.
“She was the first woman to be named editor of a national daily in 1980 and became Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group in 1986,” the statement read.
NPAN noted that Dr. Abiola left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and was a trustee of the association until her passing. She was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
Read Also: Late media icon Doyin Abiola to be laid to rest in Lekki, Family Confirms
NGE: “A Trailblazing Journalist and Mentor”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) mourned Dr. Abiola as a pioneering force in journalism, celebrating her legacy of excellence, courage, and mentorship.
“Her remarkable career trajectory, from reporter to the pinnacle of journalism, broke gender barriers and inspired generations,” said NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh in a joint statement.
The Guild highlighted her role in defending press freedom during the military era, noting that her leadership of the Concord Newspapers during turbulent times showed her strength and integrity.
Legacy of a Media Icon
Dr. Doyin Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to become Editor and later Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper. Her tenure at National Concord was marked by editorial excellence, fearless journalism, and a commitment to democratic values.
She is widely celebrated for her resilience during Nigeria’s darkest political period and for paving the way for women in leadership across media, politics, and civil society.
Dr. Abiola will be buried in Lekki, Lagos, with her family confirming that condolence visits should be directed to her Ikoyi residence, not the Ikeja home of her late husband.
