Dr. Doyin Abiola, trailblazing journalist and former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, has died at the age of 82.

Her death was confirmed by Jamiu Abiola, son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

Recognized as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief of a national newspaper, Dr. Abiola spent over 30 years in journalism, where she broke gender barriers and shaped national discourse.

Born in 1943, she earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969 and began her career at Daily Sketch, where she wrote the popular “Tiro” column. She later earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

On returning to Nigeria, she rose through the ranks at Daily Times before joining National Concord, where she became its first daily editor and was later appointed MD and Editor-in-Chief in 1986. Under her leadership, the Concord Group grew to publish up to 14 titles and became one of Nigeria’s most influential media houses.

She rejected limiting roles, once turning down the position of “Woman Editor” to pursue merit-based roles in mainstream journalism.

Dr. Abiola remained committed to press freedom, even during military repression under General Sani Abacha, when Concord was shut down for 18 months.

Beyond the newsroom, she served in various industry roles, including as Chairperson of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards and as an Eisenhower Fellow. She also received the DAME Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman ever honored.

She was married to the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, and stood by him through Nigeria’s political crisis.

Funeral details are to be announced by the family.

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