The remains of Dr. (Mrs.) Doyinsola Abiola, pioneering journalist and wife of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was today laid to rest in Lekki, Lagos, after a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.

The burial marked the conclusion of a series of events that began on Tuesday with a night of tributes at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, friends, and colleagues celebrated her life of trailblazing achievements in journalism and service to Nigeria.

The funeral service, officiated by Ven. Henry Adelegan, Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, featured Bible readings by family and associates. Psalm 91 was read by Midun Tobun, while the Epistle, from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, was read by Suru Aboaba.

Delivering the sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson reflected on Abiola’s life through the theme of restoration and hope.

He recalled her groundbreaking role in the media industry, describing her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” citing her many firsts, including becoming Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to head a national newspaper as managing director and editor-in-chief of the National Concord.

“She stood firmly with her husband during the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy, using Concord Newspapers to win the battle of hearts and minds,” Bishop Johnson said, adding that her legacy would endure through the generations she mentored and inspired.

The bishop also used the occasion to call attention to Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, urging the government to intensify efforts to ease the burden on citizens.

The service was attended by a roll call of dignitaries, including the representative of President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode; and former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Others present were Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; Femi Adesina, former presidential aide; Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola; Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine; Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times; and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

Following the service, her body was conveyed to her final resting place in Lekki, where she was interred amid prayers and tributes.

Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, who passed away at age 82 on August 5, 2025, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a steadfast advocate for democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and devotion left an indelible mark on the nation. (The Nation)

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