Dele Alake Mourns Dr. Doyin Abiola, Hails Her as Heroine of the Nigerian Press

Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Dr. (Mrs.) Doyin Abiola, describing her as a quintessential media icon whose contributions to journalism and nation-building will remain indelible.

In a press statement titled “Ode to the Heroine of the Press”, Dr. Alake — a former Editorial Board member and Editor of Concord newspapers, as well as a former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy — reflected on the life and legacy of the trailblazing media leader, who passed on recently.

Dr. Abiola, the first female Managing Director of a Nigerian newspaper group, was hailed as both “born great” and as one who had “greatness thrust upon her.” Alake recalled her distinguished academic journey which began with a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. from New York University.

Her journalism career, according to the Minister, was marked by a rare blend of theoretical depth and practical grit. From her early days at Daily Sketch and Daily Times, to the groundbreaking role she played at Concord Press, Dr. Abiola left an unmistakable imprint. She was lauded for her unrelenting passion for investigative journalism, front-page exclusives, and early morning scoops that defined the Concord brand under her leadership.

“Dr. Doyin Abiola, gentle and genial, soft yet solid, inhaled and exhaled journalism,” Alake stated. “She was, indeed, a newsman — for there are no women in journalism.”

As the wife of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, Dr. Abiola was also praised for her managerial brilliance and resilience during one of the most turbulent periods in Nigerian media history. She spearheaded innovations such as newspaper archiving via microfilm and prioritized staff welfare, even as the Concord newsroom suffered military invasions and shutdowns under authoritarian regimes.

“Only a professional and manager of exceptional capacity and courage could have translated the publisher’s vision of independent journalism into a respected national institution,” the Minister remarked.

On a personal note, Dr. Alake described her as a mentor, sister, and mother figure who helped shape his career and character.

“She was the auntie who held my hand and led me up the corporate steps of Africa’s foremost media establishment,” he wrote. “She spotted bright minds and nurtured talents that could have otherwise gone to waste.”

Concluding his statement, Alake said her death marks the end of an era of media greats who brought “sparkle” and hope to countless readers across Nigeria. He described her loss as a deeply personal one to him and his family.

“Adieu, Auntie D. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord,” he said.