President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun have mourned the passage of Doyin Abiola ,describing her as an icon in Nigerian journalism.
Mrs. Abiola was said to have died on Tuesday night.
She was a former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord and the wife of the late MKO Abiola.
In his condolence message to the family, Tinubu said, “She broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first managing director of a daily newspaper.
“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound.
“Doyin embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to public good and democratic good governance,” the President said in a message he signed.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, he said, ”Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing of women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy.
“I commiserate with the Abiola and Aboaba families, her only daughter, Doyinsola, and the government 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.”
In 1980, she emerged as the pioneer Editor of National Concord, owned by the late MKO Abiola.
She later became the managing director and editor-in-chief of all the Concord titles, including founding the Weekend Concord, which set new standards for making people the focus of reporting.
Her career at National Concord Newspaper spanned three decades, and she also worked in different capacities in Nigeria’s media space.
She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for promoting democracy by advancing the frontiers of knowledge in the media.
Similarly Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed deep sadness over the demise of Dr. Doyin Abiola, widow of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.
Abiodun, in a condolence message on Wednesday, noted that Dr. Abiola was not only a devoted partner to her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola, but also a distinguished individual in her own right, who contributed immensely to the journalism profession.
The governor noted Dr. Abiola's foray in the field of journalism, starting with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and a brief stint with the Daily Times before becoming the Managing Director of the Concord Newspapers.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a remarkable woman whose contributions to society and unwavering support for her late husband during the tumultuous period surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria will forever be remembered.
"Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character.
"She displayed excellent spirit in the fight for the validation of the annulled June 12 election as the person in charge of the Concord Group of Newspapers, owned by her then embattled husband.
"She played a significant role in advocating for the democratic ideals that many Nigerians still strive to uphold today. Her commitment to these principles, particularly during a time of great political unrest, demonstrated her courage and unwavering belief in the power of democracy.
"As we reflect on Dr. Abiola's life, it is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices she made alongside her husband during a period marked by challenges and adversity.
Her strength in the face of political turmoil exemplifies the spirit of resilience as she stood steadfastly by her husband, providing support and encouragement during trying times, and her unwavering dedication to his vision for a better Nigeria will never be forgotten.
"In addition to her political involvement, Dr. Abiola will also be remembered for her contribution to the journalism profession.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who admired her. We must continue to uphold her ideals and strive for the principles she passionately advocated for throughout her life," the statement noted.
No comments:
Post a Comment