By Joke Kujenya
SEVEN DAYS after the death of the pioneer Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, the Concord Press family is still in mourning.
They declared in a short release on their WhatsApp platform, “The Great Concord Family,” that from Sunday morning until Tuesday night, former staff members of the once-thriving media empire would begin observed a three-day period of solemn remembrance for their boss whom they adjudged a pioneering journalist whose name is written into the very history of Nigerian media.
The announcement, shared across the group’s private communication platform, was both simple and heartfelt:
“Beginning from early tomorrow, Sunday morning, till Tuesday night, have been declared as three days of mourning for our dear late Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Dr Doyin Abiola, on this great platform. We are all expected to post only tributes and nothing else in memory of Dr. Abiola. We pray that her great soul will rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
The administrators also made another request: “no political chatter, no off-topic discussions, just tributes – the living words of those who had worked alongside her and been shaped by her leadership.”
Meanwhile, a delegation of former Concord Press staff on Sunday visited the Lekki residence of the late Dr Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola to commiserate with her family, days after her passing.
Led by the administrator of the Great Concord Family platform, the group included Aliu Mohammed Olurotimi, Mr Asu Beks, and Mr Gboyega Amobonye.
The visit was coordinated after contact was made with Dr Abiola’s daughter, Doyin Junior, to arrange a meeting for 2.00pm.
On arrival, the delegation met family members, friends, and associates seated outside the residence.
Among them was Aunty Iyabo, the late editor’s younger sister, who warmly welcomed the visitors, announcing to other guests: “Concord Press people are here.”
She personally led the group inside to meet Doyin Junior, who received them with evident delight and introduced them to friends as “Mummy’s colleagues in Concord.”
The delegation also presented a condolence letter alongside the programme booklet from the Great Concord Family reunion held in 2021, in which Dr Abiola had featured prominently.
The mementos sparked fond recollections, and Doyin Junior proudly introduced the visitors to other guests.
In a gesture of hospitality, she insisted the delegation be served refreshments before departure. Waiters promptly brought hot small chops and soft drinks, as the Concord alumni mingled with other guests who shared glowing tributes to Dr Abiola’s life and legacy.
The Woman And Her Journey
The late Doyinsola Aboaba, later known to the nation and the industry as Dr. Doyin Abiola, began her professional life at a time when women in the Nigerian newsroom were rare and women in newsroom leadership almost unheard of.
Her rise from the Daily Sketch to the Daily Times, where she became a member of the Editorial Board, was already an achievement.
But her historic appointment as the first woman Editor of a national newspaper, the National Concord, cemented her as a pioneer.
She would then go on to lead Concord Press of Nigeria Limited as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, overseeing titles including the National Concord, Weekend Concord, and Sunday Concord.
Also, her stewardship was marked by high editorial standards, bold decision-making, and a strong belief in staff development.
Moreover, her personal life was no less public. Married to the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who was a global philanthropist, politician, and winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, she became doubly a national figure, a guardian of press freedom, and a steady hand guiding her company through the political storms of the 1990s.
Inflow of Tributes All For Aunty D
Within their three days of mourning, staff and colleagues as well as friends poured out their memories, each one adding a brushstroke to the portrait of the woman they called “MD” or for some, “Aunty D.”
Nsikak Essien, Former Editor, National Concord, pens: “When I became Editor of the National Concord, I found many good hands in the newsroom, but there was no company plan for further education. The company required HND or BSc as a minimum for all editorial staff, but I felt we could do more. I proposed in-service education on a company scholarship.
“Our MD approved it. Dr. Doyin Abiola takes full credit for that staff development programme.”
Aliu Mohammed Olurotimi writes: “Good night, Aunty Doyin.
“Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Concord Press, will be remembered for her professionalism, doggedness, and resourcefulness. She was a trailblazer and a consummate professional. At a time when it was rare for women to reach academic heights, she earned a doctorate degree in Mass Communication and Politics — proof of her brilliant, determined mind.
“She served on the Daily Times Editorial Board before joining Concord, where she made history as Nigeria’s first female Editor and later Editor-in-Chief of a national daily.
“She will be remembered as compassionate, remarkable, and fiery. She loved her staff and cared deeply for them.
“Adieu, Dr. Doyinsola Hamidat Abiola, wife of the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo, Bashorun MKO Abiola. May your great soul rest in perfect peace.”
Akin Ogunrinde, former News Editor and Deputy Editor, also scribbled: “Hail and farewell to the doyen of the press.
“Ultimately, the News Editor — and later Deputy Editor — must work closely with the Editor-in-Chief. In all my interactions with her, in good times and bad, I found Dr. Doyin Abiola principled in conscience, temperate in nature, and kind at heart.
“May joy and peace accompany her precious spirit on her journey. Divine comfort to the Abiola family, her Aboaba kins, and the Concord team.”
Lanre Arogundade, expressing his heartfelt tribute, notes: “During the national awards linked to June 12, one of my concerns was why Dr. Doyin Abiola was overlooked. She was a woman who stood for the validation of her husband’s victory in the June 12, 1993, election and for press freedom during and after that period. She deserved to be atop the list.
“By the time I joined Concord in 1991, she was MD and Editor-in-Chief, presiding over thriving titles, managing men, and breaking the gender barrier.
“Remarkably, she never allowed her marriage to MKO to compromise editorial judgement. When he contested for the presidency, she kept reporting fair and balanced. She endured MKO’s death in detention and the closure of Concord by the military — yet remained strong, smiling at media functions, never desperate for the spotlight.
Nigerian journalism has lost one of its finest. Rest in peace, Dr. Doyin Abiola.”
Also, Adewunmi Adedeji Bello, writes: “I benefited from her a lot. At my wedding in 1992, she gave me financial support through Mr. Kamal. When our Executive Director (North), Hamza Aminu, and Editor, Amana, were detained at Kirikiri Prison, she instructed me to be in Lagos and keep her informed.
She was a mother with compassion. May her soul rest in peace.”
Ayo Aluko-Olokun, former Abuja Bureau Chief, writes: “My Unforgettable Memories of Dr. Doyin Abiola and Concord Press . . .Following my completion of NYSC in 1987, I commenced my journalism career at Business Concord. I passed through three Editors, namely Stanley Egbochukwu, Nsikak Essien and Rose Umoren. My professional growth was significantly shaped under Dr. Doyin Abiola, who was the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief during my twelve-year career at the company. Throughout this period, I observed her leadership both from afar and through direct interactions. I was fortunate to have a few one-on-one conversations with her; one particularly memorable occasion for me was when she described me as a maverick—a compliment that left a lasting impression on me.
“Under her, journalistic standards at Concord Press were elevated to a point of distinction within the industry. The company invested in tools that supported journalistic excellence, providing reporters with cameras and portable recording devices as standard equipment. Subsequently, pagers were introduced, facilitating communication over broader regions. Trainers were brought in from the Thomson Foundation in the UK for courses on Advanced Journalism. Through these advancements, Concord Press established itself as an industry pioneer. Those were the glorious and memorable years!
“Dr. Doyinsola Abiola was an innovative leader known for spotting talent and valuing good ideas. During the period of Chief MKO Abiola’s challenges and the impact on his businesses under General Sani Abacha’s military regime, the companies experienced significant difficulties. The newspapers saw a decline in patronage and readership. Possession of any Concord publication was discouraged within government circles, leading advertisers to promptly withdraw their support. Financial constraints intensified as resources became limited, further exacerbated by the publisher’s detention in Abuja.
“The Story of Midweek Concord: Dr Abiola’s Idea, Killed at Infancy
“The MD/EIC considered establishing a newspaper like the Weekend Concord and proposed a midweek publication that would combine business and political news, modelled after the Wall Street Journal. The Midweek Concord was conceptualised as a combination of two kinds of media rolled into one-of-a-kind publication: Nigeria’s only national weekly business/political newspaper appearing each Wednesday.
“Two-thirds of the editorial content was focused on business, with the rest covering politics and other topics. Seventy-five percent of front-page stories were dedicated to business, finance, and the economy. The aim was to boost circulation and attract advertising, distancing it slightly from the National Concord, whose political reputation after the annulled presidential election had become more pronounced.
“The Midweek Concord approach was both professionally sound and managerially strategic. The inaugural edition of the Midweek Concord received a full-page advertisement from Elf Petroleum Company. The publication featured a distinctive editorial structure, with Mr. Demola Ogunlowo serving as Senior Editor, Frank Igwebueze as Editor, and Ayo Aluko-Olokun as Deputy Editor. She requested we design a prototype and bring her vision of the newspaper to fruition. The fourth person did not submit a proposal. Additionally, she appointed the late Dr. Delu Ogunade of the Mass Communications Department, UNILAG, as a consultant on the project.
“Dr Abiola spoke glowingly about her dream and idea of the Midweek Concord. She said she wanted the reporting of politics and business simplified and made interesting and attractive to the reader. She also wanted to draw back the advertisers who may find the new product appealing, not as serious as the National Concord and Business Concord.
“All submissions were reviewed, and the selection criteria for the team were provided. These included levels of experience and journalism experience. Mr Demola Ogunlowo was named Senior Editor, with his responsibilities outlined as overseeing the team. Frank Igwebueze was selected as Editor, based on his background in journalism, his involvement with the publisher’s mission, and his experience as a lecturer. Ayo Aluko-Olokun was characterised by innovative approaches, and his submitted samples were noted as impressive; I was appointed Deputy Editor, with consideration given to my age. Everyone spoke when prompted; most thanked the MD/EIC for their appointments, while I expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pitch but declined the position. The MD/EIC, clearly disappointed, ended the meeting.
“I told three respected senior colleagues about what happened. One advised that declining the appointment was inappropriate and suggested I should have spoken directly with the MD/EIC. He warned that my decision might hurt my future at the company and advised me to reconsider and accept the offer.
“On my way to the MD’s office, I met her and mentioned I was coming to discuss the Midweek Concord. I said I’d accept the offer; she congratulated me, shared her disappointment at my earlier refusal, and assured me I wouldn’t regret it. She also promised to have our appointment letters issued immediately.
“Concord Press has historically exhibited differing perspectives and attitudes rooted in ideological, professional, ethnic, and religious distinctions. For this discussion, I will not elaborate on these aspects to maintain focus and avoid unwarranted controversy. Suffice to say, part of the intrigues killed the Midweek Concord in its infancy, because the idea was resisted from within at inception. I was posted to Abuja as the Bureau Chief.
My Other Perspectives
“The last conversation I had with the Editor-in-Chief of Concord Press was when she was subpoenaed to court regarding the case involving Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Olu Falae during the 1999 presidential election. In my capacity as Abuja Bureau Chief, I had approved some PDP advertisements that were published on the eve of the election, despite regulations prohibiting the publication of ads within 24 hours before the election. Due to the company’s financial difficulties, we accepted these advertisements and were required to explain how they were obtained and why they were published. Before the court appearance, Dr. Abiola contacted me directly and instructed me to represent Concord Press in court, without providing further leads. Despite questioning from the Late Chief Kehinde Sofola, SAN, I provided my explanation; it all ended in semantics. The outcome of the matter is now history.
“In Abuja, and living with my dear Egbon, Lisa Olu Akerele in the Abiola’s House, introduced me to some raw family politics and dynamics which may have contributed to the demise of the Company. I was privileged to see some correspondence between the Publisher and members of the family and his intended actions after his release. I also spent days with Hon, later Senator Bayo Osinowo, aka Pepperito, after his release from detention. He was in close contact with Chief Abiola in detention. I am incompetent to say anything on those matters, but they gave me better insight into why Concord Press could not move forward.
“From a professional perspective and with the benefit of hindsight, Concord Press might have succeeded and achieved long-term viability had the previous conditions been preserved for some time following its reopening in 1996. However, alterations were introduced upon resumption, resulting in changes to the editorial positions; in certain cases, individuals were not allowed to retrieve their personal effects from their offices before the closure. These created misgivings and diminished the steam at the re-take-off.
“This piece is intended as a tribute to the memory of an esteemed leader and mentor, lest I derail. Concord offered a remarkable work environment, providing numerous benefits from employment through retirement. When I chose to transition to another newspaper, an interviewer inquired about my twelve-year tenure at Concord. I replied that working for Abiola’s company was an unparalleled experience, making it difficult to consider leaving for any other organisation. Both within and outside the workplace, Chief Abiola ensured the well-being of his staff. Dr Doyin Abiola introduced and upheld policies that reflected Chief MKO’s generous character. She will be sorely missed. May her soul rest in peace,” Ayo Aliko-Olokun wraps.
Also, Dan writes what he titled: “Tribute to Dr. Doyin Abiola …By 1997, Concord Press had gone through a lot of persecution, including proscription and closure for a season, following the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola in the wake of the crisis that followed the annulment of the 1993 election, which he won. Concord had started a descent that eventually led to its collapse.
“I had been working in the company for five years and had been squatting with a friend. I badly needed decent accommodation as I was pressed to raise a family. My salary couldn’t pay for it, so I lobbied the then CBN Director of Public Affairs, Late Tony Ede, to restore Concord among the newspapers for placement of the weekly FGN Treasury Bills (TB) announcement. Each advert was a quarter page. He eventually consented and gave me the adverts.
“Getting any payment from Concord was very difficult at that time as the company’s financial position was weak. You had to negotiate it. So, I approached the Chief Accountant (CA) for payment of the commission for the adverts. To my shock, he told me that the Advert department said that the Treasury Bills advert was a routine advert placement by the CBN, undeserving of commission. Efforts to convince him otherwise were futile. When I told Mr. Ede that I was denied commission for the advert. He was livid because I had told him of my plan. He stopped the advert in Concord.
“After the Advert department tried unsuccessfully for a quarter, I was eventually approached to help get the TB advert back. Of course, Mr Ede promptly gave me the adverts for the next few quarters. I also ran a supplement publication on a banking subject to attract some adverts from a few banks to boost my commission.
“Then came time for payment of the commission. The Chief Accountant, who had been pressing me to collect the payments and had promised to pay immediately the money was received, diverted it to other payments. I was stranded.
“I had only had one or two personal encounters with the MD, Dr. Doyin Abiola, before that time, but when I took the matter to her, she ruled in my favour and ordered the CA to ensure that I was promptly paid. That is how I rented my apartment. May God grant her heart of love eternal rest.”
For Omobaba, on the departed boss: “She was a true example of kindness, warmth, and love.. She was an amazing woman. She touched so many lives with her kindness, including Mine, and her memory will always be a blessing to Cherish Forever.. She was always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Her absence leaves a deep void in my heart, but I am grateful for the beautiful memories she leaves behind. May the Lord comfort every one of us and give us the strength to bear this Great loss. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy of love will remain with us forever. Rest in peace Doc Doyin Abiola please don’t forget to send my love to Mrs Lanre Kalejaiye… I love you but God loves you Best…”
Also, Gboyega Amoboye, in what he titled: “TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF DR. DOYIN ABIOLA. Like Mark Anthony at the funeral oration of Julius Caesar, “There lies Dr. Doyin Abiola”, a victor ludorum of the Nigerian Press. If Caesar came, saw and conquered as a Roman Emperor, Dr. Doyin Abiola as Empress of the Media; came, saw and conquered in Newspaper Management.
If Concord Group was the market leader, that success lay in the impeccable and motivational management style of the late Doyen and iron lady of the noble profession. She was empathetic when necessary, would scream when necessary but never to be taken for granted.
“Her unique style of leadership anchored on fairness and justice to all. I remember an attempt in the newsroom to blackmail me out of the Political Desk. She knew something was wrong and returned me there.
“Under madam’s leadership, staff welfare was top priority. It was unheard of for Concord staff to travel by road or stay in rickety hotels. This was giving her reporters psychological advantage over challengers and respect from the public.
“I will forever cherish my first letter of commendation signed by the Editor, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed which read thus: “The management has keenly noted your industriousness and dedication to your duty since you joined the crew of the National Concord. Your coverage of FEDECO stands out clearly as clear evidence that you possess the knack for investigative journalism. We are hoping that you will continue to distinguish yourself especially in the months ahead. This token sum of one hundred Naira (N100.00) is in appreciation of your efforts. Please keep it up.”
“To top it up, I got a loan to buy a Peugeot 504 in my first year with which I ran a taxi service for some time. Adieu MD.”
As all the staff polished their narratives for clarity but preserving the emotion; in the words of this last tribute: “The world’s loss is indeed heaven’s gain.”
