Pius Nsabe
Today, we honour the memory of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and a fearless advocate of press freedom, gender equity, and democratic values. She passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind an indelible legacy spanning over three decades in the media landscape.
Dr. Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to serve as Editor-in-Chief of a national daily and later, Managing Director of the Concord Group, where she oversaw one of the most influential publishing houses in Nigerian history. Under her leadership, the group published 14 titles, including major newspapers and magazines.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan (English and Drama, 1969), she earned her PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979. She returned home to help shape public discourse through her roles at the Daily Times and later at National Concord.
Courage defined her. During the dark era of military dictatorship, when Concord was raided and shut down for 18 months, she stood unwavering in her belief that “you don’t give up on truth and justice simply because it’s dangerous.”
Dr. Abiola’s influence extended beyond the newsroom. She chaired the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards, served on academic councils, and was a founding figure in the Nigerian Media Merit Award. An Eisenhower Fellow and recipient of the DAME Lifetime Achievement Award, she paved the way for generations of journalists—especially women—across Africa.
She was also the devoted wife of Chief MKO Abiola, Nigeria’s acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, and a consistent voice for democracy through Nigeria’s most trying political periods.
As we celebrate her life and mourn her passing, we remember a leader who never compromised on integrity, who demanded excellence, and who broke barriers for women in the media long before it became common cause.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Doyin Abiola. Your pen and principles lit the path for so many.
Mindblowing details of the media icon’s life and times have been captured by Herstory International- A platform where remarkable stories of extraordinary women are shared.
“A Story of Doyin Abiola – An autobiographical eBook”
To have access, please click the link below:
https://herstoryinternational.com/ebook/doyin-abiola/