The only daughter of the late journalism icon Dr. Doyinsola Abiola gave an insight yesterday into the kind of person her mother was beyond being a media personality.
Mrs. Doyin Abiola-Tobun and her husband Mr. Bamise Tobun spoke to The Nation reporter yesterday at their home in Lekki, Lagos in-between receiving people who came to pay condolence visit over the death on Tuesday of the first woman to be appointed editor in Nigeria.
Dr. Abiola was Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Concord Group of Newspapers founded by her late husband Chief Moshood Abiola, who won the 1993 presidential election.
Dr. Abiola died at 82.
“She was a principled woman with firm integrity, whose commitment to national progress and women’s empowerment was unwavering,” Mrs Abiola-Tobun said .
“She broke barriers with boldness and grace, inspiring her contemporaries and generations of young women.
“She believed journalism is a noble profession, and she took great pride in it.
“She would want young journalists to execute their duties with diligence and integrity.
“She felt strongly that the public must be able to trust what they read; that it must be authentic, uncompromised, and truthful.”
Mr. Tobun said his mother-in-law was a very determined woman whose humility only amplified the strength of her words and actions.
“She stood for forthrightness. She had immense patience and wisdom. Her belief in people was remarkable.
“She believed that with the right support, anyone could achieve greatness.
“She had huge hopes for Nigeria and always pushed for unity. She wanted a country that would stand tall and fulfil its potential.
“As a person, she represented elegance, class, humility, and humanity,” he said.
Also speaking on the late media mogul, Mr. Tunde Abiola, said she was a special lady; formidable, intelligent and stylish, adding that she was always a great company.
Praying for the repose of her soul, Bola Abiola noted that her wisdom, intelligence, sense of humour, and beautiful fashion sense would be remembered.
A family friend, Folakemi Onipede, recalled how her mother fondly called Dr. Abiola “Sisi Doyin” adding: “And she was indeed a Sisi – classy, beautiful and intelligent. She will be missed.”
Among the visitors who thronged the Lekki resident yesterday was a delegation of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) led by its President Mr. Eze Anaba, who is the Vanguard editor.
With him was Kabir Alabi Garba, Vice Chairman (West) of the NGE.
Also there was a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), which was led by the Provost Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, who himself is a former President of the NGE.
First Lady mourns
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu paid glowing tributes to the late media guru, saying her contributions to the growth of the media industry and the journalism profession cannot be overemphasised.
Senator Tinubu described her as a “distinguished journalist, media icon, and trailblazing Nigerian woman” whose life and career mirrored excellence and courage for women in the media and public service.
“Dr. Doyin Abiola’s contributions to the growth of journalism and the media industry in Nigeria are worthy of note.
“Her legacy of professionalism will continue to inspire all who believe in the power of the written word and the vital role of the press in nation-building…
“Goodnight, Auntie Doyin. May her soul rest in peace,” she said, sympathising with the bereaved family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers.
She was my journalism mother, says Mike Awoyinfa
In his tributes to Dr. Abiola, Mike Awoyinfa described her as his “journalism mother”, adding that she was a visionary leader who risked appointing him Weekend Concord Editor and shaping his career as a journalist.
“She was my professional mother,” Awoyinfa said, recounting how Dr Abiola called him into her office to share her brainwave for a distinct publication to rival Sunday newspapers.
Initially proposed as Saturday Concord, Awoyinfa said he suggested the name Weekend Concord, which she embraced.
“Despite scepticism from some members of her management team, who viewed the venture as risky and suggested starting Weekend Concord as a pullout within National Concord, Dr Abiola stood firm.”
Awoyinfa said Abiola entrusted him with leading the project, giving him the freedom to dream up the editorial content and design.
He said: “She took a big risk on me. She trusted me as one who could lead and carry out the vision of the newspaper. And thank God, I delivered.
“Oh my God! The mother of Weekend Concord is gone. Such a brilliant woman. Such a great leader. Such an innovative leader. Such a great newspaper manager. I can never ever forget her.
“My greatest mentor and role model from the feminine side. Rest in peace, Dr Doyinsola Abiola.” (The Nation)
