Issah Fatimah Abiola has made history as Nigeria’s first female train driver and a symbol of Nigeria-China cooperation, earning her the prestigious Orchid Award from the Chinese government for promoting cross-cultural ties and mutual understanding.
Abiola, also known by her Chinese name Bai Yang, began her journey with the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) in 2008 as an office assistant. She taught herself Mandarin to bridge the language gap between Nigerian and Chinese colleagues, rising quickly to become a key liaison during major projects like the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Abuja Metro.
In 2013, she became the only woman selected for train driver training. On July 12, 2018, she broke new ground by becoming the first Nigerian woman to drive a passenger train. Since then, she has completed over 2,000 trips and transported more than one million passengers.
Her work extends beyond the tracks: Abiola serves as a cultural ambassador and certified trainer, mentoring a new generation of Nigerian train drivers and strengthening bilateral ties through outreach, education, and technical training. Her story has become a global symbol of the people-to-people cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The Orchid Award, hosted by the China Foreign Language Bureau, recognises individuals advancing global cultural exchange. Abiola has also received accolades such as the China-Nigeria Friendship Contribution Award and commendations from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reflecting on the honour, Abiola said:
“This Orchid Award is more than a friendship award. It’s a symbol of recognition from both China and Nigeria. I feel valued, excited, and honoured.”
Encouraging women across Nigeria, she added:
“Don’t let stereotypes hold you back. With hard work and the right training, you can break barriers. Believe in yourself.”
CCECC praised Abiola’s journey as a testament to the success of long-standing Nigeria-China cooperation and people-centred development, particularly in the railway sector, where local employment now accounts for 98% of the workforce.
