President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, describing her as a woman of “integrity, tenacity, hard work, commitment to excellence and dedication to public good and democratic good governance.”

In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, President Tinubu honoured Dr. Abiola’s extraordinary legacy in Nigerian journalism and her pivotal role in the nation’s democratic journey, particularly during the historic June 12, 1993, election crisis.

Dr. Abiola, aged 82, passed away early Wednesday. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to journalism, public service, and political activism. She was the former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the now-defunct Concord Group of newspapers and wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

President Tinubu lauded her pioneering achievements in journalism, noting that she shattered glass ceilings in the media industry.

“Doyin Abiola was an Amazon and an icon in Nigerian journalism. She stayed in the journalism course since starting as a reporter with the defunct Daily Sketch after graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1969, majoring in English and Drama,” he said.

Her journalistic journey reached a major milestone in 1980 when she became the pioneer Editor of National Concord, one of the country’s most influential publications at the time. Under her leadership, the paper launched Weekend Concord, which significantly transformed human-interest reporting in Nigeria.

President Tinubu also reflected on his personal connection to the Abiola family, forged through his relationship with MKO Abiola. He recounted how Dr. Abiola took an active role during her husband’s presidential campaign in 1993, using her media influence to support democratic ideals.

“As MKO’s wife, Doyin became acquainted with politics and took a keen interest in it, particularly when her husband ran for the country’s presidency in 1993. She played a prominent role in MKO’s election, mobilising and providing direction for the media under her control,” he stated.

He further highlighted her unwavering stance during the aftermath of the election annulment, stating:

“She was a soldier of democracy in her own right.”

Beyond politics and media, President Tinubu praised Dr. Abiola’s efforts in promoting gender equity and women’s empowerment through her leadership.

“Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership during her illustrious journalism career, her championing of women’s empowerment, and her commitment to democracy,” he said.

The President extended his condolences to the Abiola and Aboaba families, including her daughter, Doyinsola, and the governments and people of Lagos and Ogun States.

“May her soul rest in peace. May this nation be blessed with more women of Doyin Abiola’s calibre and pedigree,” the statement concluded.