Doyin Abiola (born Adedoyinsola Hamidat Aboaba on February 1, 1943 – died August 5, 2025) was a trailblazing Nigerian journalist and media leader. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to serve as the editor of a national daily newspaper. For over 30 years, she was the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, influencing public opinion and nurturing upcoming journalists.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Adedoyinsola Hamidat Aboaba Abiola |
| Date of Birth | February 1, 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Partner | Chief MKO Abiola (married 1981) |
| Children | Doyinsola (daughter) |
| Date of Death | August 5, 2025 |
Early Life and Education
Doyin Abiola was born in Nigeria, with roots in Ogun State. After completing her secondary education, she attended the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Drama.
She started her journalism career the same year at the Daily Sketch, where she wrote the “Tiro” opinion column focusing on societal and gender topics.
In 1970, she traveled to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism. Returning to Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and later rose to the position of Group Features Editor.
In the mid-1970s, she returned to the U.S. to earn a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University, graduating in 1979.
Career
Her tenure at Daily Times included membership of the editorial board alongside prominent journalists like Stanley Macebuh and Dele Giwa.
In 1980, she was appointed the inaugural editor of National Concord, a newly launched daily newspaper. By 1986, she advanced to Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, becoming the first Nigerian woman to lead a national daily paper. Under her guidance, the Concord Group grew to publish several influential publications.
She chaired the Awards Nominating Panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Awards and led the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards panel.
Her achievements earned her the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, and she was named an Eisenhower Fellow in 1986.
Personal Life
In 1981, she married Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the publisher of National Concord and the winner of the annulled 1993 Nigerian presidential election. She stood firmly by his side during the political turmoil following the annulment.
The couple had one daughter, Doyinsola.
Death
Doyin Abiola passed away on August 5, 2025, at age 82. Her death was publicly announced by her step-son, Jamiu Abiola, and her loss was widely mourned by colleagues and national figures.
Legacy
Doyin Abiola broke new ground as the first Nigerian woman to lead a national daily newspaper, National Concord. Over three decades, she shaped Nigerian journalism with integrity and mentored many journalists.
A strong advocate for media ethics and women’s rights, she also stood firmly by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola, during Nigeria’s political struggles after the annulled 1993 election.
Honored with major awards, her legacy remains that of a trailblazer in media and a champion for democracy and justice in Nigeria.
