Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Doyin Abiola, the widow of the late Chief MKO Abiola and first female Managing Director of the National Concord Newspapers. She died on Tuesday at the age of 82.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor described Dr Abiola as an “amazon” and a media trailblazer who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s journalism landscape.
“The death of Dr Doyin Abiola is a great loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He praised her exceptional rise through the ranks—from reporter and features writer to Group Features Editor, culminating in her historic appointment as Editor and Managing Director of a national daily.
The governor noted that beyond her professional achievements, Dr Abiola was a mentor and role model to generations of journalists and media professionals, many of whom have become leaders and respected voices in various sectors.
“She etched her name in gold as the first Nigerian woman to head a national daily newspaper,” he said.
“She championed gender-related issues with passion and dedication, and remained a respected voice in national discourse even after the death of her husband, Chief MKO Abiola.”
Sanwo-Olu described her as a pillar of support to her husband and an enduring figure in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
On behalf of his family, the Lagos State Government, and the people of the state, he extended heartfelt condolences to the Abiola family, as well as to friends, colleagues, and the wider journalism profession.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss of such a distinguished Nigerian.
