Dr. Doyin Abiola, a pioneering journalist and influential media figure, has died at the age of 82. Her death was confirmed on Wednesday by her son, Jamiu, who told PUNCH Online, “Yes, she passed away last night.”
Widely recognized as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper, Dr. Abiola dedicated over three decades to the media industry.
She began her career at Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969, where she wrote a popular column on public and gender issues.
After obtaining a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979, she joined Daily Times and quickly rose through the ranks.
Dr. Abiola later became the pioneer daily editor of National Concord and was appointed its Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986.
Under her leadership, the Concord Group expanded to publish 14 newspapers and magazines, cementing its status as one of Nigeria’s most influential media platforms.
She was known for her commitment to merit over gender, having once turned down an offer to be “Woman Editor” at Daily Times.
Throughout her career, she faced challenges, including the proscription of the Concord newspaper for 18 months during the General Sani Abacha regime, but she remained dedicated to “truth and justice in journalism.”
Beyond her editorial work, she served on various industry bodies, including as Chairperson of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards and the Awards Nominating Panel of the Nigerian Media Merit Award.
Dr. Abiola was one of the wives of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, and stood by him during the political turmoil that followed. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
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