President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, hailing her as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism and a steadfast advocate for democracy and public service.
In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, Tinubu praised Dr. Abiola’s lifelong commitment to integrity, excellence, and the democratic ideals she championed, particularly during the turbulent June 12, 1993 presidential election crisis.
“Dr. Doyin Abiola exemplified integrity, tenacity, hard work, and a deep commitment to democratic governance and the public good,” Tinubu said.
Dr. Abiola, who passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday, was a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape. She served as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the now-defunct Concord newspapers and was the wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu noted her historic achievements, including being the first woman to edit a national newspaper and later becoming the first female Managing Director of a daily newspaper in Nigeria.
“Doyin Abiola was an Amazon and a towering figure in Nigerian journalism,” Tinubu remarked. “Her career began in 1969 as a reporter at the Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan with a degree in English and Drama.”
In 1980, Dr. Abiola became the founding Editor of National Concord, one of Nigeria’s most influential dailies. Under her leadership, the newspaper launched Weekend Concord, transforming the landscape of human-interest journalism in the country.
Reflecting on his personal ties with the late media icon, Tinubu spoke of her active involvement in her husband’s political journey. “As MKO’s wife, she immersed herself in politics and played a vital role in the 1993 campaign. She provided leadership and direction within the media to support the democratic cause.”
He recalled how, following the annulment of the election, Dr. Abiola remained a vocal and courageous advocate for justice, even after the Concord Group was shut down by the military regime. “She was a soldier of democracy in her own right,” he said.
President Tinubu also commended her efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through her influential role in the media.
“Nigerians will always remember Doyin Abiola’s fearless journalism, her role in the fight for democracy, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting women,” he stated.
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The President extended his condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola, as well as the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace. And may our country be blessed with more women of her strength, wisdom, and distinction,” Tinubu concluded.
