“A Titan Falls”: Tinubu Mourns Doyin Abiola, Hails Her As Democracy’s Unsilenced Voice

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, the trailblazing media icon and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, describing her as a pioneer in journalism and a fearless advocate for democracy.

In a heartfelt condolence message released on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu mourned the loss of the former Managing Director of the Concord Group, recalling her numerous contributions to the media landscape and national development.

According to iReporter Online, the President hailed Doyin Abiola as “an Amazon in Nigerian journalism” who broke barriers and paved the way for women in media leadership.

“I received with deep sadness the news of Dr. Doyin Abiola’s passing,” Tinubu stated. “She was a journalist of uncommon integrity, becoming the first woman to edit a national daily and the first female Managing Director in the industry. Her commitment to democratic values, gender equity, and editorial excellence was extraordinary.”

According to iReporter Online, Tinubu also highlighted how Dr. Abiola’s journey began at the Daily Sketch shortly after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969.

Her ascension to editorial leadership at National Concord in 1980 marked a historic moment, later expanding her role to oversee all Concord titles, including the launch of Weekend Concord, which revolutionized human-interest journalism in Nigeria.

Tinubu noted that her involvement in politics deepened during MKO Abiola’s presidential campaign in 1993. She reportedly played a pivotal role in galvanizing media support and stood firmly with pro-democracy activists following the annulment of the June 12 election. “Even when the military shut down Concord Group, she didn’t relent. She stood tall, a soldier of democracy in her own right,” he said.

According to iReporter Online, Tinubu further praised her enduring legacy in journalism, women’s empowerment, and the fight for justice. “Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership, her courage, and her dedication to the democratic cause,” he affirmed.

He extended his condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola, and the people of Lagos and Ogun States. “May her soul rest in perfect peace. And may our nation continue to be blessed with women of her calibre,” Tinubu concluded.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”