Doyin, Abiola's spouse, has passed away
Obituary: Doyin Abiola, Pioneering Nigerian Journalist and Media Executive, Passes Away at 82
Doyin Abiola, a trailblazing Nigerian journalist and media executive, has passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82. Known as the wife of Chief Moshood Abiola, the late business mogul and winner of Nigeria's June 12, 1993, presidential election, Doyin made her mark in the media landscape, becoming the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily newspaper in Nigeria.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Doyin began her journalism career in 1969 at the Daily Sketch, where she wrote a column titled 'Tiro' that addressed various issues of public concern, including gender matters. In 1970, she pursued a master's degree programme in Journalism in the United States, and upon her return, she joined the Daily Times, rising to the position of Group Features Editor.
In 1979, Doyin completed her PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University. Upon her return, she was deployed to the editorial board at Daily Times, where she worked alongside experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
In 1981, Doyin married Moshood Abiola, and she continued to support him through the political struggles connected with his historic election. In 1986, she was invited to be the pioneer daily editor of the newly formed National Concord newspaper, a prominent newspaper owned by her husband. Her leadership at National Concord spanned three decades, establishing her as a towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape.
During her tenure at National Concord, Doyin rose to become the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, making her the first Nigerian woman to hold this position in a daily newspaper. She endured the storm and stress triggered by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the subsequent tribulations.
Doyin's death was due to an illness, and she passed away at 9.15 pm on August 5, 2025. Her contributions to the media industry in Nigeria will be remembered, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.
- In her career, Doyin Abiola served as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national daily newspaper in Nigeria, a position she held during her tenure at National Concord, making her the first Nigerian woman to hold this position in a daily newspaper.
- Alongside various issues of public concern, Doyin Abiola addressed gender matters in her column titled 'Tiro' while working at the Daily Sketch in Nigeria.
- Despite the political struggles associated with her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola's historic election, Doyin Abiola continued to support him throughout those challenges.
- Beyond the media landscape, Doyin Abiola may be remembered for her focus on healthcare and wellness, including gendered issues such as mental health and women's health.
