It was a torrent of tributes yesterday for former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief (MD/EiC) of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola.

The Night of Tributes was organised in honour of Dr. Abiola, who died on August 5 at 82.

She was married to the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election, who was denied victory by the annulment of his election and detained. He died in custody in 1998.

It was a torrent of tributes yesterday for former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief (MD/EiC) of the defunct Concord Group of Newspapers, Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola.

The Night of Tributes was organised in honour of Dr. Abiola, who died on August 5 at 82.

She was married to the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the 1993 presidential election, who was denied victory by the annulment of his election and detained. He died in custody in 1998.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Dr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

The dignitaries took turns to celebrate the trailblazing career and indelible impact of the deceased, who was the first woman to be appointed newspaper editor in Nigeria.

In his message, President Bola Tinubu described her as an “Amazon and icon in Nigerian journalism” who broke gender barriers by becoming the first woman to edit a national newspaper.

“She embodied integrity, tenacity, hard work, and dedication to the public good. Nigerians will never forget Doyin Abiola’s leadership, her championing of women’s empowerment and her commitment to democracy,” Tinubu said.

Kufuor recalled his first encounter with Mrs. Abiola in 2000, praising her humility and foresight.

“She was charming, eloquent, and gracious. She told me I would win the elections – and she was right. She played a role in deepening ties between Ghana and Nigeria,” the former Ghananian president wrote in his tribute.

Speaking through the Lagos SSG, the First Lady hailed Dr. Abiola as a pathfinder for women in public life.

Mrs. Tinubu said: “She was a pioneer whose brilliance and courage opened doors for many women and set a standard of excellence for all.

“As the first female editor of a national newspaper in Nigeria… she broke barriers in a male-dominated field… Her work not only strengthened Nigerian journalism but also gave birth to truth and progress.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late journalist as “a woman of substance, strength, and extraordinary vision” who redefined possibilities for women in Nigeria.

“She shattered glass ceilings with quiet dignity, inspiring generations of women to believe that no dream was beyond their reach. As the first female editor of a national newspaper in Nigeria, her intellect, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to truth left an indelible mark on the media landscape and on the nation at large,” he said.

Prince Abiodun also lauded Dr. Abiola’s career and described her as “a phenomenon who broke barriers and redefined possibilities for women in Nigerian media.”

The Ogun governor wrote: “Her journey through life has been one of purpose, integrity, and outstanding service, given her distinguished career in journalism. She was a phenomenon who broke barriers and redefined possibilities for women in the Nigerian media landscape.”

Nobel laureate Soyinka described her as “the sturdy, immovable boulder behind the Protagonist of June 12”, lauding her courage in keeping the Concord titles alive during Nigeria’s darkest democratic struggles.

Fashola, who likened her to a mother-figure, stated: “She was determined to ensure that I didn’t let myself down”.

Eminent journalist and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, who was represented by his wife Derin, recounted the deceased early days in journalism, noted that she proved she was “no pushover” in the male-dominated newsroom.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described her as “an outstanding Amazon and worthy daughter of Egbaland.”

Ministers Dele Alake (Solid Mineral Development) and Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole praised the late Dr. Abiola for her intellectual rigour and personal mentorship.

Her family offered deeply personal reflections.

Mr. Bamise Tobun, her son-in-law, went emotional. He said: “I have written and rewritten this tribute so many times in the past month… but how do you truly capture in words a life so great, yet so gracious?

“Grandma, I often joked that you were my ‘second wife’ because I knew that you and Doyinsola came as a package deal.”

Her daughter, Mrs. Doyin Abiola-Tobun, recalled her mother’s devotion both as a wife and as a patriot.

She said: “You modelled true commitment and dedication, submitting yourself entirely, including your intellect and career, to the benefit of your spouse. Your unwavering honour for your husband lasted until your last breath and through your actions.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Abiola was remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and patriot.

She was celebrated not only for her pioneering role in journalism, but also for her activism during and after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election .

As prayers and solemn reflections dropped the curtain on the Night, the consensus was clear: the life lived by the late Mrs. Abiola was a beacon of courage, excellence, and service to Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations.

Some of the dignitaries at the event are: former editors of Concord Mr. Tunji Bello, Mr Femi Adesina, eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo William, Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Mr Bisi Abiola, Mrs. Lola Abiola-Edewor; Mr Kola Abiola; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Chief Ibikunle Amosun, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Mr Dele Momodu; Louis Odion; Mrs. Nike Akande; Mrs. Abba Folawiyo; Mrs. Bolanle Abiola-Akande, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye and Mr. Aliu Mohammed. (THE NATION)

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