Dr. Doyin Abiola, a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, has died at the age of 82.
Her death was confirmed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, by Jamiu Abiola, one of the sons of the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Born in 1943, Dr. Abiola carved a remarkable path in the media industry, becoming the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor and later editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper.
She began her career at Daily Sketch, where her column “Tiro” gained popularity for its focus on public and gender issues.
After earning a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969, she pursued postgraduate studies in the United States, culminating in a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. Rejecting a gender-specific editorial role, she insisted on being judged by merit, a stance that defined her career.
In 1980, she became the pioneer daily editor of National Concord, and by 1986, she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, leading the newspaper group to national prominence.
Her tenure at National Concord was marked by resilience, especially during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, when the newspaper was proscribed for 18 months and its printing presses destroyed.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Abiola remained committed to journalistic integrity and press freedom.
She chaired the Awards Nominating Panel of the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Award and served on the advisory council of Ogun State University’s Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
In 1986, she was named an Eisenhower Fellow and later received the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman to receive the honour.
Dr. Abiola was married to Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
She stood by him during the political upheaval that followed, remaining a steadfast figure in both media and national history.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family. Her legacy as a fearless journalist and media trailblazer continues to inspire generations.
