Heroine of the Press: Tinubu, Atiku, NPAN Honour Doyin Abiola’s Unmatched Legacy

Prominent figures across Nigeria’s political and media landscape have paid tribute to Dr. Doyin Abiola, revered journalist and widow of the late Chief MKO Abiola, following her death at the age of 82. Her passing was confirmed by Jamiu Abiola, one of MKO Abiola’s sons.

President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a “trailblazing journalist” who held an influential role in the country’s media and democratic history. Describing her as an icon in journalism and a “soldier of democracy,” Tinubu acknowledged her bold involvement in national politics during the 1993 presidential election and its controversial annulment. He lauded her leadership in mobilising the press during a time of political crisis and praised her unwavering advocacy for democracy and women’s empowerment.

The President further highlighted her legacy in mentoring women in media and her unwavering commitment to integrity, hard work, and democratic values. He extended condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola, and the people of Lagos and Ogun states.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned her passing, describing Dr. Abiola as a fearless journalist and passionate human rights advocate whose brilliance left a lasting impression on Nigerian and African activism. He prayed for peace for her soul and comfort for her family.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun acknowledged Dr. Abiola’s significant contributions to journalism and her resolute support for her husband during the June 12 election saga. He praised her courage and resilience during political unrest and emphasized her pivotal role in advocating democratic ideals amid national turbulence.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, paid a personal tribute to Dr. Abiola, calling her a heroine of the press. He commended her professionalism and her ability to lead Concord Press through military repression, newsroom raids, and the personal tragedy of her husband’s detention and eventual death. Alake credited her with transforming the media house into a symbol of press freedom and resilience, noting her pioneering efforts in archiving newspapers and ensuring high editorial standards.

The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), through its leadership, saluted Dr. Abiola for her landmark achievement as the first woman to become editor-in-chief of a national newspaper in 1980. The association celebrated her life as one of exceptional achievement, integrity, and dedication, noting her role as a trustee of the NPAN and a recipient of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described her death as a major loss to Nigeria and the journalism profession. He recalled her early academic accomplishments, including a doctorate in Communications and Politics, and her tenure on the editorial board of Daily Times before joining Concord, where she shattered glass ceilings in the media industry.

Amosun praised her commitment to journalism and her steadfast support of her husband through the trials of political imprisonment and national upheaval. He prayed for divine peace for her soul and strength for her family in this period of grief.

Dr. Doyin Abiola’s enduring legacy as a pioneering journalist, democratic advocate, and mentor to generations of media professionals remains deeply etched in the fabric of Nigeria’s history.