President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to Doyinsola Abiola, the late wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, saying she was an icon in Nigerian Journalism who broke the gender barrier by becoming the first female editor of a national paper.
Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, died on Tuesday at the age of 82.
In a statement issued by the State House on Wednesday, Tinubu hailed the late media executive for breaking gender barriers in the profession and contributing significantly to journalism, democratic governance, and women’s empowerment.
“Doyin Abiola, 82, was an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism. She stayed in the journalism course since starting as a reporter with the defunct Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969, majoring in English and Drama.
“She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first managing director of a daily newspaper.
“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound,” the President said.
Tinubu also recounted her active involvement in the political struggles that followed the annulment of the June 12 election, which was won by her husband.
Tinubu said, “I had a good relationship with the late Doyin, which stemmed from my close relationship with the late MKO Abiola.
“As MKO’s wife, Doyin became acquainted with politics and took a keen interest in it, particularly when her husband ran for the country’s presidency in 1993.
“She played a prominent role in MKO’s election, mobilising and providing direction for the media under her control.
“And when the June 12 election, won by her husband, was annulled, she did not stand aside. Despite the military junta shutting down the Concord Group, she also joined the fray, demanding the validation of the election. She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.”
She said Doyin was a woman of “integrity, tenacity, hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to public good and democratic good governance.
“May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree,” Tinubu stated.
