15 Things to Know About Dr. Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s Trailblazing Female Editor-in-Chief
- Dr. Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s pioneering female editor-in-chief and wife of Chief MKO Abiola, has died at the age of 81
- Renowned for her groundbreaking role in journalism, she led National Concord for decades and reshaped media leadership in Nigeria
- Her passing marks the end of a remarkable era defined by courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to public discourse
Dr. Doyin Abiola, a towering figure in Nigerian journalism and wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, passed away at 9:15 pm yesterday following an illness.
Her death marked the end of an era for a woman who broke barriers and redefined the media landscape in Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
Widely celebrated as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper, Dr. Abiola’s career spanned over three decades.
She was known for her fearless journalism, commitment to public discourse, and pioneering leadership in the newsroom.
Here are 15 key facts about the life and legacy of Dr. Doyin Abiola:
1. Doyin Abiola’s Birth and Early Life
Dr. Abiola was born on 1 February 1943, setting the stage for a life that would later shape Nigerian journalism.
2. University of Ibadan Graduate
She earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969, laying the academic foundation for her media career.
3. Early Journalism Career at Daily Sketch
Abiola began her journalism journey at the Daily Sketch Newspaper in 1969. She launched a column titled Tiro, which tackled public concerns and gender issues.
4. Pursuit of Journalism Education Abroad
In 1970, she left Nigeria to pursue a master’s degree in Journalism in the United States, demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence.
5. Turning Down the Woman Editor Role
Upon her return, she declined an offer to become Woman Editor at Daily Times. Instead, she joined as a Features Writer and rose to become Group Features Editor.
6. PhD from New York University
Abiola earned a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979, further solidifying her expertise in media and governance.
7. Editorial Board Experience
She returned to Daily Times and joined its editorial board, working alongside notable editors such as Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.
8. Pioneer Editor at National Concord
Her stint at Daily Times was brief. She was invited to become the pioneer daily editor of the newly formed National Concord Newspaper.
9. First Female Editor-in-Chief of a Daily Newspaper
In 1986, she was promoted to Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold such a position in a daily newspaper.
10. Three Decades at National Concord
Her career at National Concord spanned three decades, during which she held various influential roles in the Nigerian media industry.
11. Marriage to Chief MKO Abiola
She married Chief Moshood Abiola, the publisher and proprietor of National Concord, in 1981. He was also the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
12. Academic Advisory Role
Dr. Abiola served on the Advisory Council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University, contributing to academic development.
13. Recipient of DAME Lifetime Achievement Award
She received the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to journalism and democracy.
14. Second Woman to Receive DAME Honour
She was the second woman to be honoured with the DAME Lifetime Achievement Award, following Mrs. Omobola Onajide.
15. Eisenhower Fellowship Recognition
In 1986, she became the first Nigerian woman selected for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship, a testament to her global influence.
Source: Twitter
Journalist murdered in Mexico
Legit.ng earlier reported that a Mexican reporter was shot dead on Wednesday in the violence-plagued northeastern state of Tamaulipas, according to the newspaper Expreso where he worked.
Antonio de la Cruz was the 12th journalist killed so far this year in Mexico, which is on course for one of its deadliest years yet for the press.
He had frequently denounced alleged acts of corruption by politicians in his posts on social media.
Source: Legit.ng
