BREAKING

Ode to the Heroine of the Press, By Dele Alake . Being a press Statement on the transition of Dr. (Mrs.) Doyin Abiola, former Managing Director of Concord Press of Nigeria Dele Alake It is said that some are born great and others have greatness thrust upon them. Dr.Doyin Abiola, who joined the Saints yesterday, showed up on both counts. She was the scion of the illustrious Aboaba family, reputed for its elitist pedigree and nobility built on professionalism and class. That heritage ensured that she climbed to the pinnacle of scholarship. Starting with Bachelor’s in English and Drama of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan, she followed with a Master’s and later crowned it with Doctor of Philosophy at the New York University, United States. A seminal reflection of this interesting foray into knowledge indicated a zig-zag, trapeze dance between theory and practice, private and public media practice. For instance, she started her journalism.practice at Daily Sketch, a regional newspaper of the defunct Western State Government in 1969. After her Master’s, she worked at Daily Times, a national medium owned by the Federal Government and following the completion of her doctorate, she moved from Daily Times to Concord Press of Nigeria to birth a newspaper with a distinct and different approach to mainstream news and tabloid journalism. Dr Doyin Abiola, gentle and genial, soft yet solid, inhaled and exhaled journalism. Breaking the news day after day, splashing shockers on the front pages and making sure that readers got the news of Concord hot very early at the newstands, were the goals that drove her to deliver the best copies to the market. She was, indeed, a newsman, ( as there are no women in journalism), trained for the job with an incredible passion for investigation and staying power for following up till the end of each episode. Dr. Abiola’ s managerial expertise was unparalleled. Complementing her husband, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the publisher, Dr.Abiola supervised several innovative projects to position Concord Press as the primus inter pares in the media industry. For instance, Concord was the first to archive newspapers by converting from print to microfilm. She showed her motherly disposition in the provision of conducive working conditions and personal interest in staff welfare and professional development. Only a professional and manager of exceptional capacity and courage could have translated the publisher’s vision of independent journalism into daily publication of news and respected leaders. Only a woman of quintessential professional standards and stoic sacrifice could have survived the regular onslaught of military invasion of Concord’s newsroom, incessant closures and incarceration of staff, and ultimately, the detention and death of the publisher. It is a testament of her doggedness that she brought her resourcefulness and stature to count on the side of the Nigerian people when it mattered most, unbowed by the wicked incarceration of her husband and winner of the June 12, 1993 election. Dr Doyin Abiola’s transition signals the gradual exit of the beautiful ones who brought sparkle to the lives of many readers by publishing delightful stories of hope and perseverance. Dr Abiola’s transition is a personal loss to me and my family. She was the auntie who held my hand and led me up the corporate steps of Africa’s foremost media establishment. She was the sister who polished the edges of a character in flight to stardom and higher responsibilities. She was the boss who believed in me and contributed to what I have become today. She was the leader who spotted bright minds and nurtured to fruition talents that could have been spent half way. She was the mother who counselled and encouraged us to stand by the values of integrity and enterprise. As you prepare to meet your Maker, Auntie D, the world is aware that you left a void that will be difficult to fill. Adieu, Auntie, and rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Dr. Dele Alake Former Concord Editorial Board member, Former Editor Sunday Concord, Former Editor National Concord , Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lagos State , Honourable minister of solid minerals development 24 minutes ago
Current Events and News

FAAN Probes K1 De Ultimate’s Airport Misconduct, NCAA Suspends Two Pilots Over Safety Breach


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By Our Correspondent

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a formal investigation into an incident involving popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as K1 De Ultimate, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to a statement released by FAAN spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, the altercation occurred on Tuesday during the boarding process of a Lagos-bound ValueJet Airlines flight.

FAAN disclosed that the musician attempted to board the aircraft with a flask containing an unidentified liquid, which was later confirmed to be alcohol—an act in violation of aviation safety regulations.

“During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security personnel and the Flight Captain,” the statement read.

Despite being informed of the restriction, K1 allegedly refused to comply. Matters escalated when he was asked by an airline security officer to step aside for further clarification. The musician reportedly reacted by spilling the contents of the flask—alcohol—on the officer. The Flight Captain, who tried to intervene, also encountered resistance.

The situation further deteriorated when the musician allegedly moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area, prompting security personnel to intervene and escort him away.

“The Authority will not tolerate any actions that compromise operational integrity or undermine aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved,” FAAN warned, adding that a full investigation is underway and all responsible parties will be held accountable in accordance with the law.

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In a related development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots of ValueJet Airlines in connection with the incident. The suspension, NCAA said, was due to a serious breach of aviation safety protocols.

The case continues to generate reactions as both FAAN and NCAA vow to uphold safety and accountability in the Nigerian aviation industry.


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