The nation mourns the passing of a true icon, Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism. President Bola Tinubu, among countless others, has expressed deep sadness at her demise, recognizing her immense contributions to the media landscape and her role in breaking gender barriers. As we reflect on her remarkable life, here are seven key facts about this pioneering figure.
- Pioneering Female Editor: Dr. Doyin Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to serve as the editor of a national daily newspaper.
- First Female MD/Editor-in-Chief: She also broke barriers by becoming the first Nigerian woman to hold the position of Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper group (Concord Group of Newspapers).
- Wife of MKO Abiola: She was the widow of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
- Academic Background: She holds a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan (1969) and a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University (1979).
- Long Journalism Career: Her career in journalism spanned over three decades, starting with the Daily Sketch newspaper in 1969.
- "Tiro" Columnist: Early in her career at Daily Sketch, she wrote a popular column called "Tiro," addressing various public interest and gender-related issues.
- Eisenhower Fellow: In 1986, she became the first Nigerian woman to be selected for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship.
