Dr Doyin Abiola, veteran journalist and widow of the late Concord Publisher and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, has died.
According to family sources, she passed away at exactly 9:15 p.m. yesterday after a period of illness.
A media pioneer and former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, Dr Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to become editor of a daily newspaper — a landmark achievement in the nation’s media history.
She was known not only for her groundbreaking journalism career but also for the resilience she demonstrated during the tumultuous years following the annulment of the historic 1993 election. Alongside other wives of Chief Abiola, she bore the emotional and political burden of that era, both within the family and in her professional role at Concord.
Born in Nigeria, Dr Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at Daily Sketch, where she launched the influential column Tiro, focusing on public affairs and gender issues.
In 1970, she travelled to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism. On returning to Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She later returned to the U.S., where she completed a PhD in Communications and Political Science at New York University in 1979.
Following her doctoral studies, she rejoined *Daily Times* and was appointed to the editorial board, working alongside renowned editors such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
Shortly thereafter, she was invited to join the newly established *National Concord* as its pioneer daily editor. Her tenure saw her rise to the position of Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986 — a historic appointment that marked her as the first Nigerian woman to hold such a role.
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Married in 1981, Dr Abiola’s career at National Concord spanned over three decades. Beyond her newsroom achievements, she served in various leadership roles within Nigeria’s media industry and was widely respected for her integrity, intellect, and trailblazing impact.
She leaves behind a powerful legacy as a journalist, media leader, and advocate for justice and truth in a complex political era.
