Connect with us

News

Media icon, MKO’s wife, Doyin Abiola dies at 82

Published

on

Trailblazing journalist, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, and one of Nigeria’s most influential media figures, Dr. Doyin Abiola, has died at the age of 82.

She was one of the wives of the late winner of the June 12 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.

One of the sons of the late MKO Abiola, Jamiu, confirmed her death on Wednesday.

“Yes, she passed away last night,” he said in the telephone interview.

Widely celebrated as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper, Dr. Abiola spent over three decades in the media industry, breaking barriers and shaping public discourse through journalism.

Born in 1943, she earned a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969 and began her career at Daily Sketch, where she wrote a widely read column, Tiro, focusing on public and gender issues.

In 1970, she travelled to the United States for postgraduate studies, and later obtained a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

On her return to Nigeria, she joined Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to the position of Group Features Editor.

She was later appointed to the paper’s editorial board, working alongside the likes of Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan.

Doyin went on to become the pioneer daily editor of National Concord, and in 1986, was appointed Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, making her one of the most powerful women in Nigerian media at the time.

See also  LASBCA reaffirms commitment to enforcing building regulations

As editor and later Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Abiola led the National Concord newspaper to become one of Nigeria’s most influential media platforms.

Under her leadership, the Concord Group expanded to publish as many as 14 newspapers and magazines.

Doyin once turned down an offer to become “Woman Editor” at Daily Times, a role she felt underestimated her capabilities.

She insisted on being judged by merit rather than gender, eventually joining as a Features Writer and rising to the role of Group Features Editor.

During General Sani Abacha’s regime, soldiers invaded the Concord premises and destroyed printing presses. The newspaper was proscribed for 18 months.

She later recalled in a 2001 interview that despite the pressure, she remained committed to truth and justice in journalism.

Beyond her newsroom accomplishments, she served the industry in various capacities.

She chaired the Awards Nominating Panel of the maiden Nigerian Media Merit Award and sat on the Advisory Council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.

In 1986, she was named an Eisenhower Fellow.

Years later, she received the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contribution to journalism and democracy in Nigeria, becoming only the second woman to receive the honour.

She also served as Chairperson of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.

She was married to the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, and stood by him during the years of political turmoil that followed.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

See also  Army Speaks On Abduction Of Brigade Commander In Borno

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

US roller coaster ‘incident’ kills one, injures several

Published

on

One person was killed and several were injured after an “incident” on a roller coaster at a theme park in the US state of Georgia on Monday, officials said.

Officials did not confirm how the person died or how the others were injured in the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said detectives from the county’s major crimes unit were investigating what happened.

Cupid said one person had died and others were injured, adding that next of kin had been notified.

“A terrible tragedy occurred today at Six Flags Over Georgia,” Cupid said in a statement.

“I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one,” she said.

A Six Flags spokesperson told US media that the park and local authorities responded immediately and that they were fully cooperating with local officials.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the spokesperson said.

Theme park operator Six Flags, which has properties throughout North America, has temporarily closed nine similar rollercoasters across six parks “out of an abundance of caution”.

Officials did not specify which ride was involved in the incident in Georgia, but local media identified it as the Goliath roller coaster.

The roller coaster reaches top speeds of 70 miles per hour (113 kmh) and heights of 200 feet (61 meters), according to the park’s website.

The incident comes after Six Flags decided last month to permanently shut down a popular roller coaster in its California theme park after dozens of people claimed to have suffered brain damage while riding it.

See also  Ghana recalls envoy to Nigeria over alleged electoral malpractice

AFP

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

News

FG seeks arrest of suspect in attack on Ogun FMC worker

Published

on

The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspect who allegedly stabbed a health worker at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the call in a statement issued on Monday night by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Salako condemned the reported stabbing of Mr Lawal Olasunkanmi, a medical laboratory scientist at the hospital, describing the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable”.

“No grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with care can justify violence against a health worker performing his lawful duties.”

The minister said the ministry would follow the case to ensure that the alleged assailant was brought to justice.

He said the incident reinforced the urgency of implementing measures directed by the ministry on Aug. 5, to strengthen the protection of health workers in federal tertiary health institutions.

According to him, the measures include strengthened security arrangements, violence-prevention teams, incident reporting, collaboration with law-enforcement agencies and improved complaint-handling procedures.

“These safeguards must translate into effective protection for health personnel across health facilities,” he said.

Salako also appealed to health workers, who had embarked on industrial action at FMC Abeokuta to return to work immediately in the interest of patients and the wider public.

He urged the workers to allow security authorities to carry out their duties and pursue the investigation.

The minister further urged the hospital management to ensure that the injured staff member received appropriate medical care and support while strengthening security arrangements in line with Federal Government directives.

See also  Trump, CNN clash over Iran ‘victory’ report

He extended the government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient, stressing that the loss of a loved one deserved compassion and appropriate attention.

Salako urged anyone dissatisfied with the care received at the hospital to use its formal complaints mechanism.

He said that such concerns could be examined fairly and addressed on their merits without recourse to violence.

The minister reiterated that protecting health workers was essential to safe and uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

According to him, health facilities must remain safe environments where personnel can perform their duties without fear of violence and patients and their families can seek care with confidence.

NAN

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

News

SEE FULL LIST: Names of 68 new SANs sworn in by CJN

Published

on

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, swore in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the 2026/2027 Legal Year ceremony.

PUNCH Online reported that the swearing-in took place during the ceremony marking the new legal year.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee had approved the elevation of the 68 legal practitioners at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja in July.

According to PUNCH’s earlier report, the appointees comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

The names of the 67 advocates, listed according to their seniority at the Bar, are:

1. Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu
2. Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor
3. Godwill Achibong Umoh
4. Sunday Samuel Obende
5. Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe
6. Jimson Ejovi Okodaso
7. Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John
8. Olaotan Thomas Olusegun
9. Philemeon Audu Daffi
10. Adenrele David Adegborioye
11. James Eromosele Agbonhese
12. Alexander Nduka Muoka
13. Onome Okodiya
14. Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye
15. Ikhide Ehighelua
16. Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe
17. Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun
18. Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi
19. Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed
20. Odion Peter Odia
21. Gbemiga Adaramola
22. Moses Okoh Onyilokwu
23. Charles Azubuike Obodozie
24. Hakeem Obafemi Agaba
25. Bimbo Felix Atilola
26. Okechukwu Steve Emelieze
27. Joshua Demilade Olaniyan
28. Igonikon Abiola Adekunle
29. Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie
30. Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno
31. Sarafa Kolawole Idowu
32. Olujoke Enitan Aliu
33. Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie
34. Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi
35. Faruk Abdullah
36. Sagir Gezawa Suleiman
37. Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko
38. Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe
39. Sabiu Gumba Adamu
40. Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare
41. Soibi Ideriah Ovia
42. Somina Peter Johnbull
43. Chinedum Ikenna Umeche
44. Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe
45. Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff
46. Junaidu Bello Marshall
47. Olawale Sunday Fapohunda
48. Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye
49. Senior Sulyman Ibrahim
50. Agba Eimunjeze
51. Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande
52. Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi
53. Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle
54. Umaru Yunusa
55. Akorede Habeeb Lawal
56. Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba
57. Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu
58. Kayode Orire Omosehin
59. Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala
60. Bolu Agbaje Akadri
61. Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao
62. Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala
63. Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja
64. Afees Hassan Adebayo
65. Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun
66. Jonathan Akintola Makinde
67. Olajide Salami

The sole academic recipient is Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

See also  LASBCA reaffirms commitment to enforcing building regulations

PUNCH reported that the elevation recognises the recipients’ contributions to legal practice and scholarship.

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Trending