The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, has paid glowing tribute to the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, Dr Doyin Abiola, who died on Tuesday, saying that she was a trailblazer in journalism.
Alake stated this in an ode to the late Mrs Abiola which he personally signed and made available to TheIdeal News on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s media landscape was cast into mourning mood, following the passing of Dr. Abiola, the pioneering former Managing Director of Concord Press of Nigeria and a towering figure in Nigerian journalism.
Alake said, “A scion of the revered Aboaba family, Dr. Abiola embodied both inherited grace and self-made excellence. Her journey, defined by intellect, courage, and journalistic integrity, left an indelible mark on the profession and on the lives of many who worked alongside her.
In an ode to the late Doyin Abiola , Alake, a former Editor of Sunday Concord and National Concord, praised the departed icon for her professionalism, recalling a woman who not only shaped media content but also nurtured its soul.
The ode reads in part, “That heritage ensured that she climbed to the pinnacle of scholarship. Starting with Bachelor’s in English and Drama of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan, she followed with a Master’s and later crowned it with Doctor of Philosophy at the New York University, United States.
“Dr. Abiola’s academic credentials matched her practical experience, bridging theory and application across public and private media platforms. From her early days at the Daily Sketch in 1969, to the Daily Times, and ultimately the Concord Press, her career reflected relentless passion and a commitment to journalistic excellence.
“A seminal reflection of this interesting foray into knowledge indicated a zig-zag, trapeze dance between theory and practice, private and public media practice.
“ For instance, she started her journalism practice at Daily Sketch, a regional newspaper of the defunct Western State Government in 1969.
“After her Master’s, she worked at Daily Times, a national medium owned by the Federal Government and following the completion of her doctorate, she moved from Daily Times to Concord Press of Nigeria to birth a newspaper with a distinct and different approach to mainstream news and tabloid journalism.”
“ At Concord, she not only reported the news but led the newsroom. Renowned for her calm demeanour and fierce professional standards, Dr. Abiola was instrumental in transforming Concord into a powerhouse of Nigerian journalism.
“Dr Doyin Abiola, gentle and genial, soft yet solid, inhaled and exhaled journalism. Breaking the news day after day, splashing shockers on the front pages and making sure that readers got the news of Concord hot very early at the newsstands, were the goals that drove her to deliver the best copies to the market.”
Alake further said, “She was, indeed, a newsman, (as there are no women in journalism), trained for the job with an incredible passion for investigation and staying power for following up till the end of each episode.”
“Working in tandem with her husband, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, she oversaw pioneering innovations at Concord. She was credited for forward-thinking projects, including the groundbreaking archiving of newspapers on microfilm—a first in the Nigerian media space.
“Dr. Abiola’s managerial expertise was unparalleled. Complementing her husband, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the publisher, Dr. Abiola supervised several innovative projects to position Concord Press as the primus inter pares in the media industry.
“For instance, Concord was the first to archive newspapers by converting from print to microfilm.” Beneath her tough managerial edge was a motherly heart. She was widely respected for her concern for staff welfare and her investment in talent development.
“She showed her motherly disposition in the provision of conducive working conditions and personal interest in staff welfare and professional development.”
“Only a professional and manager of exceptional capacity and courage could have translated the publisher’s vision of independent journalism into daily publication of news and respected leaders.”
“Only a woman of quintessential professional standards and stoic sacrifice could have survived the regular onslaught of military invasion of Concord’s newsroom, incessant closures and incarceration of staff, and ultimately, the detention and death of the publisher.”
“Through the darkest days of military repression, including the unjust incarceration and eventual death of her husband, Dr. Abiola stood firm—unyielding in her defence of truth and democracy.
“It is a testament of her doggedness that she brought her resourcefulness and stature to count on the side of the Nigerian people when it mattered most, unbowed by the wicked incarceration of her husband and winner of the June 12, 1993 election.”
For Alake, the passing of Doyin Abiola is a deeply personal loss as his tribute reflects the multifaceted role Dr. Abiola played in his life—as mentor, leader, and maternal figure.
Speaking on the unique attributes of the late Doyin Abiola, Alake said, “Dr Doyin Abiola’s transition signals the gradual exit of the beautiful ones who brought sparkle to the lives of many readers by publishing delightful stories of hope and perseverance.”
“Dr Abiola’s transition is a personal loss to me and my family. She was the auntie who held my hand and led me up the corporate steps of Africa’s foremost media establishment.
“She was the sister who polished the edges of a character in flight to stardom and higher responsibilities. She was the boss who believed in me and contributed to what I have become today.
“She was the leader who spotted bright minds and nurtured to fruition talents that could have been spent half way.
“She was the mother who counselled and encouraged us to stand by the values of integrity and enterprise.”
“As you prepare to meet your Maker, Auntie D, the world is aware that you left a void that will be difficult to fill.”
“Adieu, Auntie, and rest peacefully in the bossom of the Lord.”
