Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led tributes on Thursday at a memorial service in Lagos for Dr. Doyin Abiola, hailed as a pioneering journalist, courageous patriot, and tireless defender of democracy.
In his remarks, Osinbajo described Abiola as “a beloved aunty, courageous patriot, and tireless fighter for democracy and the rule of law.” He offered prayers for her daughter, Doyinsola Abiola Tobun, her husband, Bamise Tobun, their children, and the wider Abiola family.
The service drew an array of dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who is also Abiola’s goddaughter.
Other notable attendees included the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and Pastor Godman Alabi, Senior Pastor of The Elevation Church, who joined friends and family in honouring her life.
Speakers at the event reflected on Abiola’s historic achievements as the first woman to edit a national newspaper in Nigeria and her dedication to press freedom and democratic governance.
The gathering served as both a celebration of her remarkable contributions and a reminder of her lasting influence on journalism, democracy, and public life in Nigeria.
