President Bola Tinubu Mourns Death of Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola Pioneering Nigerian Journalist

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, a pioneering female journalist and iconic figure in Nigerian media.

Dr. Abiola, who died peacefully at the age of 82 was the first Nigerian woman to edit a national newspaper and the first female Managing Director of a daily newspaper in Nigeria.

In a heartfelt tribute, President Tinubu described Dr. Abiola as “an Amazon, media icon and a soldier of democracy” praising her unwavering commitment to journalism, women’s empowerment and democratic governance.

Dr. Abiola began her career in journalism after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969 and broke many gender barriers during her tenure, notably as the pioneer editor of National Concord and later managing director and editor-in-chief of the Concord Group of newspapers.

The president recalled her significant role during the 1993 presidential campaign of her late husband, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. Throughout military regimes that opposed the election results Dr. Abiola stood firm as a champion of justice and electoral validation.

President Tinubu extended condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola and the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.

He hailed her legacy of integrity, tenacity and dedication to public good, urging Nigerians to remember her leadership and contributions which laid the foundation for generations of women in journalism and public life.

“May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree,” the president concluded.

Dr. Abiola’s death marks the loss of a media trailblazer whose influence reshaped Nigerian journalism and fortified the nation’s democratic aspirations.