By Prosper Mene
The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the government to immortalize Dr. Doyin Abiola, a trailblazing journalist and former Managing Director and Publisher of the defunct National Concord, who passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.
The call was made by the council’s Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).Dr. Doyin Abiola, one of the widows of Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, was celebrated as a veteran journalist who broke gender barriers in Nigeria’s media industry. As the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor and Managing Director of a national daily newspaper, her contributions were crucial in shaping the country’s journalism landscape.“The government should immortalize Dr. Abiola based on the roles she played,” Ajayi stated, suggesting that a media center or facility be named in her honor to serve as a resource hub where future generations can learn about her legacy. “She was a generalissimo of the newsroom, and her name will forever be etched in the history of Nigerian journalism,” he added.
Dr. Adeola Ekine, immediate past Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, described Dr. Abiola as an institution in journalism. “She changed the narrative for female journalists in Nigeria, showing that with hard work, skill, and integrity, no barrier is insurmountable,” Ekine said. She emphasized that Dr. Abiola’s life serves as a lesson for younger female journalists to challenge norms and amplify their voices.
Dr. Abiola’s illustrious career began in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where she wrote the popular column “Tiro,” addressing social justice and gender issues. She later joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer, rising to Group Features Editor, and earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979. At National Concord, she served as the pioneer editor in 1980 and later as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, leading innovations like newspaper archiving through microfilm technology.
Her resilience during Nigeria’s military era, including navigating government crackdowns and detentions, was widely praised. She also played a significant role in advocating for democracy following the annulment of her husband’s 1993 election victory.
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu described her as a “media trailblazer and soldier of democracy,” noting her contributions to journalism and gender equity. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her an “Amazon” whose mentorship shaped generations of journalists. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Folio Media Group, publishers of Daily Times, also mourned her, highlighting her pioneering spirit and dedication to press freedom.
Dr. Abiola’s family confirmed that she will be laid to rest in Lekki, Lagos, following her passing at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday after a period of illness. Her legacy as a pioneer, advocate, and mentor continues to inspire the media industry and beyond.
