Renowned as the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor and editor-in-chief of a national newspaper, Doyin Abiola, has passed away.
Doyin died on Tuesday at the age of 82 following a brief illness.
She was the wife of Moshood Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election.
BRIEF PROFILE
Doyin obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969.
After graduation, she began her journalism journey at the Daily Sketch as a reporter. During her time there, she wrote a weekly column titled ‘Tiro’, where she addressed critical public issues.
In 1970, she travelled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in journalism.
After completing her studies, she returned to Nigeria and joined the Daily Times as a features writer, eventually rising to the role of group features editor.
She later proceeded on study leave and earned a PhD in communication and political science from New York University in 1979.
Upon her return, she briefly rejoined the Daily Times before moving to the National Concord.
In 1980, she was appointed editor of National Concord — becoming “the first Nigerian woman to become editor of a national newspaper.”
By 1986, she had risen to the roles of editor-in-chief and managing director of the publication, making her “the first Nigerian woman to occupy the position.”
Doyin Abiola was also honoured with several awards throughout her career. In 1986, she received the Eisenhower Fellowship. She also became the second woman to receive “a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award.”