Tributes Pour in for Dr. Doyin Abiola, Trailblazer in Nigerian Journalism

By Diafa Doubra,

Nigeria’s media landscape is mourning the loss of Dr. Doyin Abiola (née Aboaba), a pioneering journalist and the first female editor of a Nigerian national newspaper, who passed away on August 5, 2025. Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, public figures, and women across the nation who credit her for breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession.

Dr. Abiola’s career was nothing short of groundbreaking. Rising through the ranks in the 1970s and 1980s, she shattered the proverbial glass ceiling when she became the editor of the National Concord newspaper a historic appointment that redefined the place of women in Nigerian journalism. Her editorial style, sharp intellect, and fearless pursuit of truth earned her respect both within and outside the newsroom.

Beyond journalism, she was a mentor to many young reporters and an outspoken advocate for women’s empowerment. Former colleagues describe her as “a woman ahead of her time” who insisted that the media had both the responsibility to inform and the power to transform society.

Public figures have also been quick to honor her memory. In his tribute, a senior editor noted:

“Dr. Doyin Abiola was more than a journalist; she was an institution. She inspired a generation of women to believe that their gender was never a limitation.”

Her influence extended into academia as well she earned her Ph.D. in communications and combined scholarship with practice, often championing reforms that would make Nigerian journalism more professional and socially responsible.

As the nation reflects on her legacy, many are calling for her contributions to be immortalized through national honors or media scholarships in her name. For women in journalism, her life remains a reminder that excellence, resilience, and courage can break even the toughest barriers.

Dr. Abiola is survived by her children and a legacy that will forever inspire Nigeria’s media and gender equality movements.