The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has paid tribute to the late media icon, Dr Doyin Abiola, describing her as “gentle and genial, soft yet solid”, a woman who “inhaled and exhaled journalism.”
In a statement titled “Ode to the Heroine of the Press”, Dr. Alake who served as a former Editor of Sunday Concord and National Concord, a former member of the Concord Editorial Board, and ex-Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, reflected on Dr. Abiola’s pioneering contributions to Nigerian journalism.
“It is said that some are born great, and others have greatness thrust upon them. Dr. Doyin Abiola, who joined the Saints yesterday, showed up on both counts,” he wrote.
The Minister noted that Dr. Abiola, a scion of the prestigious Aboaba family, stood as a towering figure in Nigeria’s media landscape.
“Her academic excellence was evident early on, with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan, a Master’s degree, and later, a PhD from New York University,” he emphasised.
He further elaborated on her journey through the world of journalism reflected a rare blend of theory and practice, beginning at Daily Sketch in 1969, moving to Daily Times following her Master’s, and after completing her PhD, joined Concord Press where she helped redefine mainstream and tabloid journalism with a fresh, dynamic approach.
“She was, indeed, a newsman — as there are no women in journalism.
“Trained for the job with an incredible passion for investigation, she had the staying power to follow through every story until its conclusion,” Dr. Alake remarked.
Dr. Alake noted that as Managing Director of Concord Press, Dr. Abiola’s managerial prowess shone through. Alongside her husband, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, she introduced several innovations including pioneering newspaper archiving through microfilm conversion while fiercely advocating for staff welfare and professional growth.
The Minister said in the face of immense political pressure including frequent military invasions of the newsroom, closures, and the detention and eventual death of the publisher Dr. Abiola stood firm.
“Only a woman of quintessential professional standards and stoic sacrifice could have endured it all.
“She brought her resourcefulness and stature to bear when it mattered most, especially during the unjust incarceration of her husband, winner of the June 12, 1993 election.
Dr. Abiola was the auntie who held my hand up the corporate steps of Africa’s foremost media establishment. She believed in me. She shaped me. She inspired countless others. She was a leader, mentor, sister, and mother, all in one,” Dr. Alake stated.