Late Doyin Abiola was my journalism mother, says Mike Awoyinfa

Awoyinfa, in a condolence message on Thursday, said Abiola was a visionary leader who risked appointing him Weekend Concord editor and shaping his career as a journalist.

Reports that the former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, died at 82 on Tuesday, following a period of illness.

Dr Abiola, a trailblazer and the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, was the first Nigerian woman to become editor and later managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper.

Her three-decade tenure at National Concord cemented her legacy as a pioneer who influenced media discourse and mentored countless journalists.

Awoyinfa, reflecting on his personal connection with Dr. Abiola, recalled her bold decision to appoint him as the pioneer editor of Weekend Concord, a unique Saturday-only newspaper she conceived while on holiday abroad.

“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 skepticism 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.”  (NAN)