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Nigerian First Female Train Driver Receives Chinese Friendship Honour In Beijing

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2025

She is a history-maker and has etched her name in the history book. No other Nigerian woman has ever attained that feat and she has by that noble attainment, carved a niche for herself and Nigeria in a way that makes her a role model and an inspiration for future generations of women.

Indeed, the name Issah Fatimah Abiola, will surely occupy a strategic position when the history of Nigeria-China relationship is written. Although Issah Abiola has just written her name in gold through her exploits in the railway industry, she has by her feat drawn Nigeria and China closer and showcased what it means for two countries to work together for their mutual benefits.

Abiola’s journey to the top did not come on a platter, though. But she took her strides one step at a time and worked with hope, commitment and dedication to whatever she was given to do in order to lay a solid foundation for her success. And, that perseverance has paid off handsomely for Abiola. She was employed by the Chinese construction giant: China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation, CCECC, as an office assistant and she took the bull by the horn from that foundation laid by the company.

Abiola’s journey with CCECC began in 2008, according to the construction firm. Driven by a desire to bridge communication gaps between Chinese and Nigerian colleagues, she taught herself Mandarin. Her efforts quickly elevated her role from administrative support to a critical liaison during the construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Abuja Metro project.

In 2013, she became the only woman selected for train driver training. After rigorous study and field practice, she made history on July 12, 2018, by driving Nigeria’s first passenger train operated by a woman. Since then, she has driven over 2,000 trips, safely transporting more than one million passengers.

Apart from working on railway tracks, Abiola has also worked as a cultural ambassador for Chinese projects in Nigeria and used that capacity to promote Chinese engineering, culture, and bilateral goodwill through public outreach, educational programmes, and extensive media engagement. As a result, Abiola’s exciting story has continued to draw global media coverage, becoming a model of people-to-people cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, BRI.

The Orchid Award is the latest recognition in a series of honours for Abiola, including the China-Nigeria Friendship Contribution Award from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and commendations from former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

The company that lifted Abiola to the global stage, CCECC, has described Abiola’s story as a powerful testament to the long-standing friendship and cooperation between China and Nigeria. The company highlighted her role in mentoring a new generation of local female train drivers and her current work as a certified trainer, helping to transfer Chinese rail expertise to local personnel.

The company also noted that the Abuja Metro project, where Abiola is based, created nearly 5,000 jobs for Nigerians, with 98% local employment and a growing share of Nigerian leadership.

Her ongoing role in Chinese cultural events and technical training, both in Nigeria and China, underscores her dedication to deeper China-Africa collaboration. From language education to cultural performances and mentorship, Abiola continues to inspire a new generation, embodying the ideals of partnership, resilience, and shared growth.

The prestigious Friendship Envoy Award, was hosted by the China Foreign Language Bureau and recognises international individuals and institutions that promote global cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Abiola, who is popularly known by her Chinese name Bai Yang, was recognised for her outstanding contributions to China-Nigeria cultural ties, having grown from an office assistant at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to Nigeria’s first female train driver and a national symbol of resilience and cross-cultural collaboration.

Established as a major international cultural award by China, the Orchid Award aligns with the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. It celebrates those advancing common human values, intercultural dialogue, and the vision of a shared future for humanity.

At the event, CCECC reaffirmed its commitment to “teaching people how to fish” in Africa through technology transfer, local talent development, and cultural integration. Abiola’s recognition, the company said, symbolises both her personal achievements and the broader success of people-centred cooperation under China-Africa relations.

Abiola reflects on the significance of the award to her, saying:

“This Orchid award means a lot to me because it is not only a friendship award but also a symbol of recognition from both China and Nigeria. I feel valued, excited and honoured.”

She also has a word for other Nigerian women: “To every Nigerian woman dreaming of becoming a train driver—go for it! Don’t let stereotypes or societal limits hold you back. This profession, like many others, is not just for men.

“With determination, hard work, and the right training, you can excel in this field. Believe in yourself, break barriers, and inspire others,” she counsels.
(VANGUARD)

News

Six Corps Members Receive N10m Grants To Boost Agribusiness

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Six members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have received a total of N10 million in grants to expand their agribusiness ventures under the Farmers for the Future Programme.

The programme was organised on Monday by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in collaboration with the NYSC to encourage young Nigerians to embrace agriculture and develop sustainable businesses.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Abuja, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, urged Corps members to maximise the opportunities provided by the service year by venturing into commodity marketing and other viable businesses.

Nafiu said agribusiness remained a viable avenue for young people to build sustainable enterprises, create employment and generate wealth.

He also stressed the importance of value addition to the success and sustainability of business ventures, while commending BATNF for placing Nigerian youths at the centre of its entrepreneurship initiatives through value-chain development, employment creation and its partnership with the NYSC.

“I charge you to spread the news around. We have seen the outcome, and it is a good idea,” he said.

The beneficiaries are Dominic Olufemi (FC/25C/1143), who received N3 million; Temitope Adewole (ED/26A/2251), N2 million; Abdulwaheed Bala (ED/25B/1402), N2 million; Olanike Mayungbe (OG/26B/1037), N1 million; Kingsley Udoeyen (KG/26A/1735), N1 million; and Lorember Lorsue (JG/25B/1742), N1 million.

Speaking on the selection process, the Acting Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mrs Winifred Shopeka, said the programme began with an online registration portal through which Corps Members engaged in agribusiness submitted their business plans.

She said nearly 3,000 Corps members applied and underwent a rigorous selection process that produced 20 finalists.

According to her, the finalists participated in a boot camp and a final pitching session, which produced the 10 best presenters before the six ultimate winners were selected.

Shopeka said the beneficiaries had also been mentored and attached to established market operators to assist them in marketing their products.

She added that Corps Members who did not make the final stage of the competition were also trained by BATNF.

The BATNF Team Lead, Mr Oludare Odusanya, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged Corps Members engaged in agribusiness to master the fundamentals and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

“We are happy with our collaboration with the NYSC, and it will continue,” he said.

Odusanya explained that BATNF was an independent organisation established to contribute to poverty reduction in Nigeria through sustainable agricultural practices and other interventions.

He said the Farmers for the Future Programme was instituted in collaboration with the NYSC to encourage Corps Members to venture into agribusiness and become job creators.

He added that the beneficiaries would be attached to mentors who would guide them towards achieving success in their respective businesses.

According to him, the programme has, since its inception, continued to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of Corps Members.

News

CBN Reduces Interest Rate To 23%

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced the reduction of the interest rate, also known as Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 23 percent.

Briefing the media in Abuja, the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said at the 307th MPC meeting held on September 22, 2026 agreed the resetting of the MPR and recaliberation of the monetary policy market.

According to Cardoso, the committe is satisfied with the disinflation progress, adding that members noted stable banking sector following successful recapitalisation.

Meanwhile, according to Nigerian Tribune, reports that that the MPC, at its 306th meeting in July 2026, disclosed its resolution to retain the interets at 26.5 percent.

According to the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, “the Committee’s decision to maintain the current policy stance followed a thorough assessment of the balance of risks. Although headline inflation moderated marginally in June 2026, global uncertainties have heightened, due mainly to the renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

“In view of the evolving developments, maintaining a cautious monetary policy stance remains appropriate. In arriving at its decision, the Committee noted the recent resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East, with particular attention to its spillover effects on global energy prices and the potential pass-through to domestic inflation.”

News

NURTW: KWAM1 Settles Long-time Rift Between MC Oluomo, Tafa Sego

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Nigerian Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, has brokered a peace deal between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) National President, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and the Lagos State Chairman of the union, Mustapha Adekunle, aka Tafa Sego.

The reconciliation took place at Ojusagbola in Ijebu, Ogun State, where several NURTW chieftains gathered for the meeting.

The development was announced on Tuesday on KWAM1’s digital media page on Instagram, alongside photographs from the meeting.

According to the post, the two union leaders have resolved their differences after years of strained relations.

“After years of an age-long rift, MC Oluomo and Tafa Sego have finally settled their differences. And from what we know now, this is final,” the post said.

The musician was said to have intervened as the Mayegun of Yorubaland, with the aim of bringing an end to the longstanding disagreement between the two NURTW figures.

“K1 acted in his role as the Mayegun of Yorubaland by seeking an end to the long-standing rift, once and for all,” it said.

The post also described the meeting as a significant step beyond previous public displays of reconciliation.

“This time, it was not just another handshake for the cameras. The two old friends and colleagues came together at Ojusagbola, with King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1) playing the peacemaker.”

Both MC Oluomo and Tafa Sego were reported to be pleased with the outcome of the intervention.

“Both parties are delighted about the new development,” the post said.

The two men had previously been allies and prominent figures within the Lagos NURTW before their relationship became strained amid disagreements linked to leadership of the union in the state.