Doyin Abiola:Service to the end
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 (nee Aboaba)
Though she lived to the ripe age of 82 years, this by no means mitigate the shock of receiving the news of her passage .
She died Tuesday, August 5, 2025
A quitensential journalist and media guru,
Dr. Abiola was a record breaker in the Nigerian media space, being the first woman to be named editor of a national daily with her appointment in 1980, as Editor , National Concord newspaper.
In 1986, she also became the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group, as she was named managing director and editor-in-chief , of the Concord Newspapers 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.
Dr. Doyin Abiola, until her death was a trustee of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN)
She was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Diamond Awards For Media Excellence ( DAME).
On behalf of the Executive Council of our esteemed Association, we commiserate with her entire family , members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and former staff of the defunct Concord Newspapers.
We pray that the Almighty God, will console and uphold each and every one
Once again, our condolences.
KABIRU YUSUF
PRESIDENT
NGE Mourns Dr. Doyin Abiola, 82, Nigeria’s First Female Editor of a National Newspaper
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist and media icon, Dr. Doyin Abiola, who died at 82.
In a press statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE described Dr. Abiola as a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism whose remarkable contributions reshaped the media landscape and inspired generations of professionals.
Dr. Abiola, the former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the now-defunct Concord Newspapers, is the first woman to edit a national newspaper in Nigeria and the first female to head a major media organisation in the country. Her groundbreaking achievements shattered gender barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
“Dr. Abiola’s legacy is a testament to her pioneering spirit, breaking down gender barriers and mentoring generations of journalists who have gone on to become great professionals,” the statement noted.
The Guild lauded her for an illustrious career marked by integrity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of journalistic excellence. It also recalled her courage during Nigeria’s military era, when she stood firm in defence of press freedom despite threats and harassment directed at her and her team.
“Her leadership, dedication to excellence, and commitment to press freedom, gender equity, and national development have left an indelible mark on the profession,” the editors said.
As Nigeria mourns one of its most accomplished media figures, the NGE urged journalists and media institutions to uphold the values Dr. Abiola embodied—courage, excellence, and service to society.
“Dr. Abiola’s life and work inspire us to strive for excellence, driven by passion and commitment, regardless of gender or circumstance,” the Guild added.
The NGE offered prayers for the repose of her soul and condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who were touched by her extraordinary life and career.