President Tinubu mourns Doyin Abiola’s death, praising her as a journalism icon and democracy advocate. She was Nigeria’s first female newspaper MD

Doyin Abiola death has drawn heartfelt tributes nationwide, with President Bola Tinubu leading the mourning, describing her as “an Amazon and icon in Nigerian journalism.”

Also read: Dr Doyin Abiola death shocks Nigerian media as trailblazing editor dies at 82

Dr. Doyin Abiola, the trailblazing first female Managing Director and Publisher of National Concord, passed away Tuesday night at the age of 82.

In a statement personally signed by the president on Wednesday, Tinubu praised Abiola’s extraordinary contributions to journalism, gender equity, and Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first Managing Director of a daily newspaper,” Tinubu noted.

More than a media pioneer, Tinubu emphasized her bravery during the turbulent period following the annulled 1993 presidential election, won by her husband, the late Chief MKO Abiola.

“She was a soldier of democracy in her own right,” Tinubu said. “Even when the Concord Group was shut down by the military junta, she stood firm, demanding electoral justice.”

Abiola’s political engagement, especially during MKO Abiola’s presidential bid, extended beyond media mobilization—she became an active voice for democratic restoration.

The president extended condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, her daughter Doyinsola, and the governments 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,” Tinubu concluded.