Dr. Doyin Abiola, an iconic journalist, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, and a pioneering figure in Nigerian media, has passed away at the age of 82.

She was the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Her death was confirmed by one of Abiola’s sons, Jamiu, who disclosed in a phone conversation that she died Tuesday night.

Celebrated as the first Nigerian woman to become Editor-in-Chief of a national daily, Dr. Abiola’s career spanned over 30 years, during which she made remarkable contributions to journalism and public discourse.

Born in 1943, she earned her first degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969 and began her journalism career at Daily Sketch, where she wrote a popular column, Tiro, addressing social and gender-related issues.

In 1970, she travelled to the United States for postgraduate studies, earning a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

Upon her return to Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor. She was later appointed to the editorial board, working alongside respected journalists such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.

Dr. Abiola became the pioneer daily editor of National Concord, and in 1986, she was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, making her one of the most influential women in Nigerian journalism.

Under her leadership, the Concord Group grew significantly, expanding to include up to 14 newspaper and magazine titles, cementing its place as a major voice in the Nigerian media landscape.

Notably, she once declined the position of “Woman Editor” at Daily Times, asserting her desire to be evaluated on merit rather than gender. She instead joined as a Features Writer and rose through the ranks.

During the military regime of General Sani Abacha, Concord premises were attacked by soldiers, with printing presses destroyed and the newspaper shut down for 18 months. In a 2001 interview, she reflected on that period, affirming her unwavering commitment to truth and journalistic integrity.

Beyond the newsroom, Dr. Abiola contributed significantly to media development and education. She chaired the inaugural Awards Nominating Panel of the Nigerian Media Merit Award and served on the Advisory Council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.

In 1986, she was selected as an Eisenhower Fellow, and years later, received the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award—becoming only the second woman to earn that honour. She also served as Chairperson of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.

Throughout her career and personal life, she remained a steadfast advocate for democracy and justice, standing firmly by her husband during the years of political unrest that followed the annulment of the 1993 election.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.