The Nigerian media industry is in mourning following the death of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a veteran journalist and a pioneering figure who broke barriers for women in the field.
Wife of the late MKO Abiola, Doyin passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.
The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, of which she was a trustee until her death, issued a statement on Wednesday to express their sadness and celebrate her life and achievements.
The statement, signed by NPAN President Kabiru Yusuf, acknowledged the shock of her passing despite her advanced age.
The statement read, “It is with sadness that we received the news of the death of our sister, friend, colleague and a trustee of our esteemed Association, Dr. Doyin Abiola.
“Though she lived to the ripe age of 82 years, this by no means mitigate the shock of receiving the news of her passage.”
Dr. Abiola’s career was marked by a series of landmark accomplishments. She was a quintessential journalist and a media guru who, in 1980, became the first woman to be named editor of a national daily with her appointment as the Editor of the National Concord newspaper.
Her trailblazing spirit continued in 1986 when she was appointed managing director and editor-in-chief of the Concord Newspapers Group, making her the first Nigerian woman to lead a national newspaper group.
“In all, we take solace in the fact that she left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and served the industry till her death.
“She was a record breaker in the Nigerian media space, the NPAN statement affirmed.
Dr. Abiola’s contributions to the industry were recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diamond Awards For Media Excellence.
The NPAN statement concluded by extending condolences to her family, members of the media, and former staff of the defunct Concord Newspapers, praying for comfort for all those who mourn her.
