Dr. Doyin Abiola, a pioneering figure in Nigerian journalism and former Managing Director of National Concord, has passed away at the age of 82.
According to family sources, “she died peacefully at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday after a brief illness.”
Widely recognized for her trailblazing role in the media industry, Dr. Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to serve as both editor and later managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. She was also the wife of late business magnate and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, MKO Abiola.
Born in 1943, Dr. Abiola studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1969. She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where her column, Tiro, became well-known for its bold commentary, particularly on issues affecting women.
In 1970, she travelled to the United States to pursue further education, earning a Master’s degree in Journalism. Upon her return to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and steadily rose through the ranks to become Group Features Editor.
She later earned a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.
Her appointment in 1980 as the founding editor of National Concord marked a major milestone in her career. The newspaper, established by MKO Abiola, would later appoint her as its Managing Director in 1986.
In 1981, she married MKO Abiola, who is widely regarded as the presumed winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. “Throughout her husband’s political struggles and incarceration, Dr. Abiola stood as a symbol of strength and quiet resilience.”
Beyond the newsroom, Dr. Abiola played an instrumental role in advancing journalism education and media development in Nigeria. She chaired the nomination panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Award, NMMA, and served on the advisory council of Ogun State University’s Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
Her contributions earned her multiple honors, including the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986 and the Diamond Award for Media Excellence, DAME, Lifetime Achievement Award — becoming only the second woman to receive the award after Mrs. Omobola Onajide.
“She leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to truth and public service.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
