President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Doyinsola Abiola, describing in her as a media icon and a soldier of democracy.
Dr Abiola, 82, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, died early on Wednesday
The president, in a tribute to the late media executive on Wednesday, hailed her groundbreaking role in media and her fight for democratic ideals.”
“I received with deep sadness the news early on Wednesday of the passing of Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, a trailblazing journalist, editor, and former managing director of the defunct Concord Group of newspapers and wife of the late Bashorun MKO Abiola.”
“Doyin Abiola, 82, was an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism.”
“She stayed in the journalism course since starting as a reporter with the defunct Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969, majoring in English and Drama,” Tinubu said.
The president highlighted her remarkable career and the gender barriers she broke in the male-dominated media industry.
“She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first Managing Director of a daily newspaper.”
”Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound.”
In 1980, Dr Abiola became the pioneer editor of National Concord, owned by her husband, MKO Abiola.
She later rose to become Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of all Concord titles, including founding Weekend Concord.
The paper set new benchmarks by centering people at the heart of its reporting.
“I had a good relationship with the late Doyin, which stemmed from my close relationship with the late MKO Abiola.”
Tinubu also recalled her active role in the political battles following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, won by her husband.
“She played a prominent role in MKO’s election, mobilising and providing direction for the media under her control.”
“And when the June 12 election, won by her husband, was annulled, she did not stand aside.”
”Inspite of the military junta shutting down the Concord Group, she also joined the fray, demanding the validation of the election. She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.”
Tinubu praised her leadership, resilience, and dedication to truth, freedom, and justice throughout her career.
“I commiserate with the Abiola and Aboaba families, her only daughter, Doyinsola, and the government and people of Lagos and Ogun States.”
“May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree.”
