Describe her as soldier of democracy, media trailblazer

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, a pioneering journalist, former Editor and Managing Director of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, and wife of the late business mogul and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, describing her as a media trailblazer and a soldier of democracy whose contributions to journalism and national development were both profound and enduring.

In a statement yesterday, Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the passing of Dr Abiola at the age of 82 years.

He said Nigeria would never forget her legacy, leadership in the media, her advocacy for women’s empowerment, and her steadfast commitment to democratic ideals.

Also, the management of Folio Media Group (FMG), publishers of Daily Times Newspapers, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of its former Editorial Board member, Dr Doyin, at the age of 82.

In a heartfelt tribute, signed by Chairman and Publisher of Folio Media Group, Dr Fidelis Anosike, Dr Abiola’s death was described as “shocking,” especially as it came at a time when the country and the media industry still needed her wisdom and experience.

In the same vein, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Motunrayo Alaka, have paid tributes to Doyin Abiola.

Yahya said: “We join the Nigerian media community and the nation at large to mourn the passing of a trailblazer, a woman of immense courage, intellect, and grace, Dr. Doyin Abiola.

On her part, Alaka noted: “For us at WSCIJ, we just lost our first female awardee for Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence. She won that award in 2010. I am glad I was able to honour her while she was alive. It’s surreal for me.”

Minister of Solid Minerals Development and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake, in his tribute, said Doyin Abiola was the scion of the illustrious Aboaba family, reputed for elitist pedigree and nobility built on professionalism and class.

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), in its tributes, said: “It is with sadness that we received the news of the death of our sister, friend, colleague and a trustee of our esteemed association, Dr Doyin Abiola (nee Aboaba).

President of the association, Kabiru Yusuf, in a statement, said: “On behalf of the executive council of our esteemed association, we commiserate with her entire family, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and former members of staff of the defunct Concord Newspapers.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has also expressed deep sadness over the demise of Dr Abiola.

Abiodun, in a condolence message, yesterday, said that Dr Abiola was not only a devoted partner to her husband, but also a distinguished individual in her own right who contributed immensely to the journalism profession.

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Doyin Abiola.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, who spoke on behalf of the group, described the late Dr Abiola as a media icon, confident professional, dogged fighter, patriot, and democrat whose legacy transcends journalism into the heart of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

In its tribute, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) expressed sadness over the passing of Dr Abiola.

In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said that Dr Abiola’s legacy was a testament to her pioneering spirit, breaking down gender barriers and mentoring generations of journalists who have gone on to become great professionals.

It said that her leadership, dedication to excellence, and commitment to press freedom, gender equity, and national development had left an indelible mark on the profession.