Categories: metro

Doyin Abiola, ex-Concord MD and wife of MKO Abiola, passes away at 82

Doyin Abiola, ex-Concord MD and wife of MKO Abiola, passes away at 82

Dr. Doyin Abiola, renowned journalist, former Managing Director of National Concord, and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has passed away at the age of 82. She died at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday following a period of illness, according to family sources.

A pioneer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola made history as the first Nigerian woman to become editor and later managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. Her tenure at National Concord spanned more than three decades, during which she helped shape media discourse and mentored a generation of journalists.

Born in 1943, Dr. Abiola obtained a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she penned a widely read column titled Tiro, addressing issues of public concern, particularly gender equity.

In 1970, she left Nigeria to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism in the United States. Upon her return, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She later earned a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

READ ALSO:

Returning to Nigeria, she served on the Daily Times editorial board alongside respected journalists such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. In 1980, she became the pioneer editor of the newly launched National Concord, eventually rising to Managing Director in 1986.

She married Chief MKO Abiola in 1981 and remained a steadfast presence during his political trials, particularly after the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Dr. Abiola also contributed to the media industry in various capacities. She chaired the nomination panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) and served on the advisory council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.

Her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the second woman to receive the honor after Mrs. Omobola Onajide. She was also a recipient of the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.

Dr. Doyin Abiola leaves behind a legacy of courage, professionalism, and excellence in journalism.

 

Doyin Abiola, ex-Concord MD and wife of MKO Abiola, passes away at 82

Trends Admin

Recent Posts

Oyo Kidnapping Murders: Ansaru Suspects Push Back in Court, Demand Private Lawyer Before Facing Fresh Charges

Oyo Kidnapping Murders: Ansaru Suspects Push Back in Court, Demand Private Lawyer Before Facing Fresh…

4 hours ago

Benue: Two Police Officers Killed as Gunmen Ambush DPO’s Convoy in Ayilamo

Benue: Two Police Officers Killed as Gunmen Ambush DPO’s Convoy in Ayilamo Two newly deployed…

4 hours ago

Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases

Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases Parents and caregivers are advised…

4 hours ago

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation Student leaders from tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s…

4 hours ago

Pope Leo XIV Warns Against Letting AI Make Human Decisions

Pope Leo XIV Warns Against Letting AI Make Human Decisions The rapid advancement of artificial…

5 hours ago

Kara Bridge Repairs, Multiple Crashes Trigger 14-Hour Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Kara Bridge Repairs, Multiple Crashes Trigger 14-Hour Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Motorists and commuters along…

5 hours ago