Dr Doyinsola Abiola, pioneering journalist and widow of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was laid to rest on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, following a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.

Her burial concluded a week of tributes that began on Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, colleagues, and associates celebrated her groundbreaking contributions to journalism and her service to Nigeria.

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

In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, reflected on Abiola’s legacy under the theme of restoration and hope. He hailed her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” noting her trailblazing achievements as Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to lead a national newspaper as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord.

READ ALSO:From ‘Tiro’ to Concord: Inside Doyin Abiola’s Fearless Media Journey

“She stood resolutely with her husband during Nigeria’s democratic struggle, using Concord Newspapers as a powerful voice in the battle for freedom. Her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired and mentored,” Bishop Johnson said.

He also used the occasion to urge the government to confront Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, while easing the burden on citizens.

The service drew a distinguished audience, including President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti; former presidential aide Femi Adesina; 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.

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

Dr Doyinsola Abiola, who died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a defender of democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and enduring influence left an indelible mark on the nation.

The management of Air Peace has reacted to media reports based on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, regarding an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.

The airline’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by its management and shared on its official X account on Friday.

Air Peace, which operates domestic and regional routes, has in recent years positioned itself as Nigeria’s flagship private carrier, with a reputation for relatively strong operational standards in an industry often plagued by safety concerns.

The airline is also IOSA-certified, a global safety benchmark by the International Air Transport Association.

The PUNCH reports that the NSIB on Friday indicted an Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol.

The accident investigators tested the crew positive for the substances after the aircraft they flew was involved in a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Air Peace Crew Tested Positive For Alcohol, Drug — NSIB Report

This was contained in a preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.

However, reacting to the report, on Friday, the airline’s statement partly read: “Our attention has been drawn to media stories on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) currently circulating online and in the media regarding the incident involving one of our aircraft at Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025.

“We are yet to receive any official communications from the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place in less than an hour of the incident.”

The carrier emphasised that it places the highest priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, describing the report as misleading.

“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, and it is important to set the record straight,” the statement said.

The airline further explained its internal policies on crew discipline, stating, “Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!”

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tension As Air Peace Flight Veers Off Runway In Port Harcourt

Providing details of actions taken after the Port Harcourt incident, Air Peace revealed that the captain of the affected flight was grounded.

“The captain of the affected flight was grounded and relieved from further flight duty till date for failure to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and for disregarding standard go-around procedures as advised by his co-pilot but not for testing positive to the breathalyser test, as the result was not communicated to us by NSIB to date”, the airline’s statement added.

However, the airline defended the co-pilot, saying he acted professionally during the incident. “Contrary to reports in the media, the First Officer (Co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“The NCAA cleared him. If he was involved in drug or alcohol use, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would not have cleared him to resume flight duties”, it stated.

The airline added that if the relieved captain’s test result later proves positive, then it would “increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew.”

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Air Peace also stressed the importance of retraining and stricter monitoring going forward.

“Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training cannot be overemphasised. We will intensify strict Fitness-for-Duty checks and Stronger Internal Monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy”, the statement continued.

Reassuring passengers and the Nigerian public, the airline added: “Air Peace has consistently maintained a strong safety record and strictly implements global best practices in all aspects of its operations, and we reassure our esteemed passengers and the Nigerian public that safety will never be compromised in Air Peace.”

The July 13, 2025, incident at Port Harcourt International Airport reportedly involved a go-around manoeuvre initiated by the co-pilot after the captain allegedly failed to adhere to standard landing procedures.

Media reports suggested that alcohol consumption may have been a factor, citing a breathalyser test.

A group, Northeast Concerned Citizens Association, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Sen. Shehu Buba for their security evolvement initiative in the country.

The group, in collaboration with Shehu Buba Ambassadors, Association of Tailors and Artisans as well as the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises made the commendation in a statement in Bauchi on Friday.

They said that under President Tinubu’s administration and constant commitment of Shehu Baba towards improving the security architecture of the country as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Nigeria has witnessed renewed vigor in the war against insecurity.

The group argued that the President’s firm support for reforms in the security sector, coupled with his approval of critical interventions, has provided the enabling environment for sustainable peace-building efforts across the country.

READ ALSO:Bauchi Govt Inaugurates Pastors, Imams Peace Building Committee

According to them, Senator Shehu Buba has also consistently demonstrated leadership in the fight against insecurity by been at the forefront of pushing innovative strategies that goes beyond the use of force.

“He has argued, both in the Senate and during public engagements, that Nigeria must adopt a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches if the fight against banditry, insurgency, and other crimes is to yield lasting results.

“This is why he has championed dialogue, reconciliation, and socio-economic renewal as vital tools alongside military action.

“Indeed, his non-kinetic advocacy is already shaping policy directions at the national level,” they said.

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The group, however, dismissed what they described as politically-inspired allegations attempted to link Buba with banditry, saying that the senator, who is representing the Bauchi South Senatorial District’s efforts in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other key stakeholders, have led to a more balanced approach to security management.

“In this regard, the role of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, must be commended. His pragmatic headship, openness to innovative ideas, and relentless commitment to national security have been instrumental in translating Senator Buba’s non-kinetic advocacy into actionable policy.

“Civil society networks across the country have acknowledged the positive impact of this strategy, noting a gradual reduction in violent incidents in communities once plagued by criminality.

“This is a clear testimony that Senator Buba’s vision is not mere rhetoric but a tested model in line with global best practices.

“The truth remains that Senator Shehu Buba Umar has emerged as one of the strongest voices for peace and stability in Nigeria, and his leadership continues to inspire hope that our nation can overcome its current security challenges,” said the group.