Dr. Doyin Abiola, a true trailblazer in Nigerian journalism and the cherished wife of the late business tycoon and political icon Chief MKO Abiola, passed away at 82 on August 5, 2025.
Her son, Jamiu Abiola, shared the heartbreaking news in a quiet phone call with PUNCH Online, saying, “Yes, she passed away last night.”
Her departure leaves a void in the hearts of many who admired her courage, brilliance, and warmth.
Doyin was a woman of firsts, shattering glass ceilings as the first Nigerian woman to serve as Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper.
At National Concord, she wasn’t just a leader; she was a visionary who shaped how Nigerians saw the world, growing the Concord media group into a powerhouse with up to 14 newspapers and magazines under her watch.
Her bold leadership made her one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Born in 1943, Doyin’s journey began with a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969.
She dove into journalism at Daily Sketch, where her column Tiro became a beacon for readers, fearlessly tackling gender inequality and societal issues in a male-dominated world.
Her voice was sharp, compassionate, and unapologetic—a reflection of the woman herself.
Her thirst for knowledge took her to the United States in 1970, where she earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University by 1979.
Back in Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer, quickly climbing to Group Features Editor and earning a seat on the editorial board.
When offered the role of “Women’s Editor,” she turned it down, refusing to be boxed in.
Doyin built her career on grit and merit, proving her worth every step of the way.
Her time at National Concord was nothing short of legendary. Starting as its first daily editor, she rose to Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief by 1986, steering the publication through Nigeria’s changing tides.
But her path wasn’t without storms. During General Sani Abacha’s regime, Concord faced brutal attacks, with its offices shut down for 18 months.
Yet Doyin stood tall, a fierce defender of press freedom and truth, never wavering in her principles.
Beyond her newsroom triumphs, Doyin was a mentor and champion for excellence.
She chaired the first Nigerian Media Merit Award Nominating Panel, served on advisory councils, and was honored as an Eisenhower Fellow in 1986.
Her work with the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards inspired countless journalists to aim higher.
Her own accolades, including the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award—making her only the second woman to receive it—spoke to her extraordinary impact.
At home, Doyin was a rock for her husband, Chief MKO Abiola, standing by him through the painful aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. Her strength and love anchored their family through turbulent times.
