Veteran Journalist Doyin Abiola Passes on at 81

Dr. Doyin Abiola, trailblazing journalist and wife of the late Concord publisher and winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, has passed away.

Sources confirmed that she died at exactly 9:15 p.m. on Monday after a period of illness.

Dr. Abiola, a former Managing Director and Publisher of the National Concord, made history as the first Nigerian woman to become editor of a daily newspaper—an achievement that cemented her status as a pioneer in the country’s media landscape.

“She endured the storm and stress triggered by the criminal annulment of the historic poll and the tribulations that followed at the home front and in the Concord,” a source said, referring to her quiet resilience during her husband’s political ordeal and detention.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Abiola studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969. She began her journalism career at Daily Sketch, where she penned a popular column titled Tiro, tackling societal issues including gender equity.

In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Journalism. Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and quickly rose to become Group Features Editor. Her thirst for academic excellence took her back to the U.S., where she earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

After completing her doctorate, she returned to Daily Times and served on the editorial board alongside seasoned journalists like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. But her defining moment came when she joined the newly established National Concord as its pioneer editor, later rising to the role of Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief in 1986.

Dr. Abiola married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981. Her career at National Concord spanned over three decades, during which she served the media industry with distinction, vision, and a fierce dedication to journalism.