Doyin Abiola, the widow of late MKO Abiola and Nigeria’s first female editor, has passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
Doyin made history as the first woman in Nigeria to hold the position of editor and editor-in-chief of a major national newspaper.
She was well-known for her contribution to journalism and her dedication to public issues.
Born in 1941, Doyin graduated in 1969 with a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan.
She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she wrote a popular weekly column, called “Tiro,” highlighting important community issues.
In 1970, Doyin moved to the United States to further her studies in journalism.
After completing her master’s degree, she returned to Nigeria and worked at the Daily Times, eventually becoming the group features editor.
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She left again for her studies and earned a Ph.D in communication and political science from New York University in 1979.
Upon her return to Nigeria, Doyin briefly worked at the Daily Times before joining the National Concord Newspaper.
In 1980, she made headlines by becoming the first woman to be the editor of a national newspaper.
By 1986, she was promoted to editor-in-chief and managing director of the National Concord, making her a trailblazer in her field.
Throughout her career, Doyin received several awards, including the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986, and she was honoured with a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman to receive it.
Doyin Abiola’s legacy as a pioneer in journalism and a champion for women’s rights will always be remembered.
