11 key things to know about late iconic journalist, Doyin Abiola

Dr. Doyin Abiola, an ace Nigerian journalist and trailblazing media executive, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

A pioneer and powerhouse in the Nigerian press, Dr. Abiola holds the historic distinction of being the first Nigerian woman to serve as both Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of a national daily newspaper.

Her brilliance, integrity, and fearless leadership left a lasting impact on journalism in Nigeria.

Here are 10 key things to know about the late media icon;

1. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola was born on February 1, 1943.

2. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969.

Driven by a passion for media excellence, she proceeded to the U.S., where she earned a Master’s in Journalism and later a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

3. After her first degree, she joined Daily Sketch where she introduced Tiro, a column focusing on social and gender-related matters. She later became Group Features Editor.

Following her Master’s degree, Dr. Abiola turned down a Woman Editor role at Daily Times, preferring to rise through the ranks based on merit.

4. After joining National Concord as its pioneer daily editor, she rose to become Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief in 1986, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold such a role in a national newspaper.

5. Dr. Abiola’s career at National Concord spanned more than three decades, during which she shaped editorial direction and navigated the paper through politically sensitive times.

6. In 1981, she tied the knot with Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, a businessman, philanthropist, and winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He also founded National Concord where she would eventually make history.

7. Her significant contributions to the media earned her the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the second woman ever to receive it.

8. In 1986, she was selected for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship, the first Nigerian woman to be so honoured.

9. She was a member of the Advisory Council for the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University and chaired the nomination panel for the first Nigerian Media Merit Awards.

10. Beyond her editorial responsibilities, Dr. Abiola was a mentor to countless young journalists and media professionals who have gone on to excel in their own careers.

11. Dr. Abiola passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday August 5th, 2025.

Her death marked the end of an era for Nigerian journalism, but her legacy remains deeply rooted in the history of media and national development.