JUST IN: Abiola’s Wife, Pioneer Journalist Confirmed Déad

Dr. Doyin Abiola, renowned journalist and wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has died.

She died on Tuesday evening at approximately 9:15 p.m. She was 82 at the time of her passing.

Dr. Abiola was a pioneer in Nigerian journalism and widely celebrated as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief of a national daily. She also served as the first female Managing Director of the National Concord newspapers.

Dr. Abiola began her journalism career in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where she authored a popular column, Tiro, focusing on social and public issues, including gender advocacy. In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Journalism.

Upon her return to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and eventually rose to become Group Features Editor. Driven by a commitment to excellence, she later returned to the U.S., earning a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York in 1979.

Returning to the Daily Times after her doctoral studies, she served on the editorial board, working alongside legendary figures such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. She was later invited to become the pioneer daily editor of the newly established National Concord, a position she embraced with distinction.

In 1986, she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, making history as the first Nigerian woman to hold that top editorial position in a daily newspaper. Her leadership at the paper spanned over three decades.