The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Tuesday, described former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group of newspapers, Doyin Abiola, 80, as a media icon who upheld the truth and worked zealously for good governance.
Buhari’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘President Buhari celebrates Dr Doyin Abiola at 80.’
Born on February 1, 1943, Dr Abiola was the Managing Director and Publisher of National Concord Newspaper. A role she assumed in 1986, making her the first Nigerian woman to become the editor-in-chief of a daily newspaper in Nigeria.
In his birthday message, Buhari lauded Dr Abiola, who turns 80 years on February 1, 2023, for her skills and brilliance which saw her making history at 43 as the first female newspaper MD.
According to Adesina, “President Buhari shares the joy of the milestone with the eminent media personality and opinion moulder, who started her journalism career in 1969, earned a doctorate in Communications and Political Science in 1979, and brought more depth and scope into publishing with many years of experience.
“The President believes Dr. Abiola’s passion for research and learning shaped her intellectual contributions to the vibrant and dynamic Nigerian media, fearlessly chasing and upholding the truth, and working zealously for the good of the majority, particularly in good governance and democracy.”
Buhari also noted the “historic roles Dr Abiola played as a columnist with Daily Sketch in the 1960s, Features Writer at Daily Times, later Group Features Editor, pioneer daily Editor of National Concord, and becoming the first female Editor-in-Chief in Nigeria.”
Therefore, he prayed that the Almighty God will strengthen the octogenarian with good health, and bless her family.
