Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of Dr. Doyin Abiola, wife of late Chief MKO Abiola.
Recall that Doyin, who was the first former Managing Director and Publisher of the National Concord newspapers, died on Tuesday at about 9:15 PM at age 82.
Reacting to the news of her demise, Tinubu described the deceased as “an Amazon and icon in Nigerian journalism”.
In a statement he personally signed, the president praised Doyin for her contribution to Nigeria’s democracy and unity, citing the role the late journalist played when the 1993 election of her husband was annulled.
He said, “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.”
“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. Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy.
“I commiserate with the Abiola and Aboaba families, her only daughter, Doyinsola, and the government and people of Lagos and Ogun States.
May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree.”
