News

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

Published

9 months ago

August 6, 2025

Dr. Doyin Abiola was a trailblazing figure in Nigerian journalism, breaking new ground as the first woman to edit and lead a national daily newspaper, serving as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord.

Her remarkable career shattered gender barriers and left an enduring legacy in the media industry.

Spanning over three decades, her work championed democratic ideals, challenged societal norms, and inspired generations of journalists.

Through her bold leadership and fearless voice, she transformed Nigerian media and mentored countless professionals.

Below are eight astonishing facts about her.

First Female Editor in Nigeria: Dr. Doyin Abiola became the first Nigerian woman to edit a national daily newspaper, taking on the role at The National Concord in 1980. By 1986, she had become the first woman to serve as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of a Nigerian daily.

Fearless Columnist: Starting her career in 1969 at Daily Sketch, Abiola wrote the influential “Tiro” column, addressing critical social and gender issues, establishing herself as a bold voice in Nigerian journalism.

Academic Excellence: She graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1969 with a degree in English and Drama, later earning a master’s in Journalism and a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

Three-Decade Media Career: Abiola’s over 30-year tenure at National Concord saw her rise from editor to Managing Director, guiding the newspaper through challenging times and cementing its status as a leading Nigerian media outlet.

Advocate for Democracy: As the widow of Chief Moshood Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, she used her platform at National Concord to champion democratic ideals and resist political oppression.

Prestigious Awards: Abiola received the Diamond Award for Media Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the second woman to earn this honor, and was granted an Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986 for her journalism contributions.

Media Industry Leadership: She shaped Nigeria’s media landscape as Chairperson of the inaugural Nigerian Media Merit Award’s Nominating Panel and as a member of the Advisory Council for Ogun State University’s Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.

Mentorship Legacy: Working with journalism icons like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan at Daily Times, Abiola mentored numerous journalists, leaving a lasting impact through her editorial leadership and commitment to excellence.
(PUNCH)

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.