By Ishaya Ibrahim, news Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday joined millions of Nigerians to celebrate Nigeria’s first female newspaper editor, Dr Doyin Abiola, as she clocked 75.
Dr. Abiola is the widow of Chief MKO Abiola, business mogul and winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He also published the defunct Concord newspapers.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President recalled Dr Abiola’s contributions to responsible journalism, commending her for nurturing many young Nigerians into building successful careers in the media industry.
While encouraging Dr Abiola, who served as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the defunct Concord Press Nigeria Limited, to sustain the role she had played in raising the bar of professional and responsible journalism in Nigeria, the President prayed for her health and happiness.
“President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Dr Doyin Abiola, Nigeria’s first female newspaper editor and former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Concord Press Nigeria Limited, on the occasion of her 75th birthday.
“President Buhari appreciates Dr Abiola’s remarkable contributions to the growth of the Nigerian media industry and for inspiring many others to build successful careers as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
“Recognising Dr Abiola’s positive influence on responsible journalism in the country as a thorough-bred reporter, columnist and editor, the President urges the veteran journalist to sustain her support towards raising the bar of professionalism, responsibility and accountability in the Nigerian media as a trusted source of information in a democracy.
“He joins family, friends and protégés of Dr Abiola in praying for her health and happiness,” the statement said.