Wife of Late MKO Abiola and First Female Newspaper Editor, Doyin Abiola is Dead

Nigeria is mourning the death of a media icon, Doyin Abiola, who passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness. Her death marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigerian journalism, one she helped shape and redefine for decades.

Doyin Abiola wasn’t just a journalist, she was a force. A pioneer who broke barriers, she holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian woman to become the editor and editor-in-chief of a national newspaper. 

Her rise in the male-dominated media landscape inspired a generation of women and transformed the newsroom into a space where gender was no longer a limitation.

Born in 1943, Abiola’s journey into journalism began after earning her first degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. 

She joined the Daily Sketch as a young reporter, where her bold and insightful weekly column Tiro quickly earned her recognition. 

She later traveled to the United States to further her education, obtaining a master’s degree in journalism and, eventually, a PhD in communication and political science from New York University.

Abiola’s career took off upon her return to Nigeria. After a stint with Daily Times where she rose to group features editor, she joined the National Concord, a publication owned by her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola. In 1980, she was appointed Editor of the newspaper, becoming the first woman in Nigeria to occupy that position. 

By 1986, she had shattered another glass ceiling by becoming Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord.

Her legacy extends beyond titles and milestones. Doyin Abiola championed ethical journalism, gave voice to public concerns, and mentored young reporters, especially women who looked up to her as proof that determination and brilliance could defy any odds.

In recognition of her work, she was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986 and later received the DAME Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman to do so. 

Her contributions to journalism were not only felt in Nigeria but earned her respect across the global media landscape.

Doyin Abiola was also the widow of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of Nigeria’s annulled 1993 presidential election. Despite the political storm surrounding her family, she remained focused on her work, advocating for press freedom and responsible journalism.

She is survived by her children and extended family.