President Bola Tinubu is mourning veteran journalist and media executive Dr. Doyin Abiola, wife of the late businessman and politician Moshood (MKO) Abiola, describing her as a trailblazer in journalism and a soldier of democracy.
In a statement released by the State House on Wednesday, the president expressed sadness over her death, recalling her groundbreaking contributions to the Nigerian media industry and her role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.
Dr. Abiola, 82, was the former managing director and editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Concord Group of Newspapers and wife of late business mogul and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola.
“She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first managing director of a daily newspaper,” Tinubu stated.
“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women.”
Tinubu recalled that Mrs. Abiola began her journalism career at Daily Sketch in 1969, after graduating from the University of Ibadan with a degree in English and Drama.
She went on to lead National Concord as its pioneer editor in 1980 before becoming managing director of the Concord titles, including Sunday Concord, Business Concord and Weekend Concord, which set new standards in people-centered journalism.
The president said he shared a close relationship with the deceased, stemming from his association with her late husband MKO Abiola.
He also praised her for her active role in the June 12 struggle, noting that even after the military shut down the Concord press, she stood firm in demanding that the annulled election be validated.
“She was a soldier of democracy in her own right,” Tinubu said, adding that “Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing of women’s empowerment and her commitment to democracy.”
He extended his condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her only daughter Doyinsola and the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.
