Dr. Doyin Abiola, a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism and the widow of Chief MKO Abiola, has died at the age of 82.

It was gathered that she passed away peacefully at 9:15pm on Tuesday, August 5.

Celebrated as the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily in Nigeria, Dr. Abiola’s legacy stretches far beyond her connection to her late husband, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Her journalism career began in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where her popular column “Tiro” broke barriers with its bold commentary on social justice and gender issues.

In 1970, she travelled to the United States to further her education, earning a master’s degree in journalism before returning to Nigeria to join the Daily Times.

There, she rose through the ranks to become Group Features Editor.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Dr. Abiola went on to earn a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York in 1979. Upon returning, she joined the Daily Times editorial board, working alongside some of Nigeria’s finest journalists, including Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh.

Her career reached new heights in the 1980s when she was appointed the pioneer daily editor at National Concord, a media organization founded by her husband. 

In 1986, she became Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief — marking a historic milestone as the first Nigerian woman to lead a national daily.

Dr. Abiola’s tenure at National Concord spanned three decades, during which she mentored a generation of journalists and remained an influential voice in the media industry.

She married MKO Abiola in 1981 and stood by his side during his political rise and the turmoil following the annulled June 12 election.

Dr. Doyin Abiola is remembered as a fierce advocate for journalistic integrity, a pioneer for women in media, and a symbol of resilience.