Doyin Abiola, MKO’s widow and Nigeria’s first female editor, dies at 82

Doyin Abiola, the first Nigerian woman to become editor and editor-in-chief of a national newspaper, is dead.

Doyin died on Tuesday at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

She was the wife of Moshood Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election.

Doyin earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Drama in 1969 from the University of Ibadan.

After her graduation, she commenced her journalism career as a reporter with the Daily Sketch. During her stint at the newspaper, she started a weekly column titled: ‘Tiro’, which she used to spotlight issues of public concern.

In 1970, she left Nigeria for the United States to pursue a masters programme in journalism.

She returned to Nigeria after her masters programme and was employed as a features writer at the Daily Times. Subsequently, she rose to the position of group features editor.

Doyin proceeded on a study leave. In 1979, she obtained a PhD in communication and political science at the New York University.

She returned to Nigeria afterwards and had a short stay at the Daily Times before joining the National Concord.

In 1980, she became the editor of National Concord — making her the first Nigerian woman to become editor of a national newspaper.

In 1986, she was appointed editor-in-chief and managing director of National Concord. She was the first Nigerian woman to occupy the position.

Doyin was also a recipient of numerous awards. In 1986, she was granted the Eisenhower Fellowship. She was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award.