By Muhammad Danlami
The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, and the Nigeria Guild of Edktors, NGE have separately expressed grief and condolences over the death of Doyin Abiola, widow of the late MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of the Preaisential election of June 12, 1993.
The late Abiola died on Tuesday, August 5.
The NPAN said the late Abiola’s was service to the end, while the NGE expressed deep sadness over her death.
The NPAN condolence was e-signed by Kabiru Yusuf, President, and
that of the NGE was jointly signed by Eze Anaba, President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary on Wednesday.
NPAN condolence reads: “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).
“Though she lived to the ripe age of 82 years, this by no means mitigate the shock of receiving the news of her passage .
“A quitensential journalist and media guru, Dr. Abiola was a record breaker in the Nigerian media space, being the first woman to be named editor of a national daily with her appointment in 1980, as Editor , National Concord newspaper.
“In 1986, she also became the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group, as she was named managing director and editor-in-chief , of the Concord Newspapers Group.
“In all , we take solace in the fact that she left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and served the industry till her death.
“Dr. Doyin Abiola, until her death was a trustee of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
“She was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Diamond Awards For Media Excellence ( DAME).
“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 staff of the defunct Concord Newspapers.
“We pray that the Almighty God, will console and uphold each and every one. Once again, our condolences.”
For their part, the NGE said
Dr. Abiola’s legacy is a testament to her pioneering spirit, breaking down gender barriers and mentoring generations of journalists who have gone on to become great professionals.
The NGE statement noted as follows:
“Her remarkable career trajectory, from reporter to the pinnacle of journalism, sets records as the first woman to edit a national newspaper and the first woman to hold the position of Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a newspaper in Nigeria.
“Dr. Abiola’s leadership, dedication to excellence, and commitment to press freedom, gender equity, and national development have left an indelible mark on the profession.
“We remember her courage and resilience during the military era, withstanding harassment and threats during her tenure at Concord Newspapers.
“As we pray for her soul’s repose, we celebrate her achievements, which serve as a reminder that a person’s legacy is defined by the positive impact they leave behind.
“Dr. Abiola’s life and work inspire us to strive for excellence, driven by passion and commitment, regardless of gender or circumstance.”
