News
Nigerian First Female Train Driver Receives Chinese Friendship Honour In Beijing

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.
READ ALSO:Passengers’ Traffic: Anxiety As local Airlines Raise Alarm Over Consistent Decline
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.
READ ALSO:Two Israeli Soldiers Killed In Southern Gaza Blast — Military
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.
READ ALSO:Full List: 57 Lawyers Nominated For SAN Status
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
UNIMAID, Federal Polytechnic Matriculate 82 Degree Students

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in affiliation with the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi has matriculated 82 students into the degree programmes across five courses.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi on Tuesday, Professor Muhammad Laminu Mele, the Vice chancellor, University of Maiduguri, charged the matriculated students to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the two institutions to enable them achieve the set objectives.
The VC, who was represented by Professor Muhammad Ahmad Waziri, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Services, warned that any student or group of students trying to breach the peace of the two institutions would face the full wrath of the law.
READ ALSO:NEDC Hands Over Mega School To Bauchi Govt
The Don further assured that the University and its affiliated institutions would continue to make easy access to higher quality education to the teeming population across the country.
In a remark, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Alhaji Sani Usman, said they were affiliated with the university to pursue academic excellence, describing the affiliation as a huge pillar in the education reforms.
READ ALSO:Bauchi Govt, UNICEF Strengthen Education Platforms To Improve Learning Outcomes
The Rector, who was also represented by Dr. Dalhatu Saidu, the Deputy Rector of the Polymeric, commended the university of Maiduguri for not only improving the UNIMAID’s conducive learning environment but expanding the horizon to different higher institutions of learning across Nigeria.
He therefore advised the newly matriculated students to pursue knowledge, to interact freely with the Polytechnic staff, be vigilant and be a brother’s keeper, adding that this would help to achieve the desired objectives.
The affiliated courses included BSc Mass Communication, BSc Accountancy, BSc Public Administration, BSc Business Administration and BSc Banking and Finance respectively.
News
Trouble Looms As Egbesu Group Drags FG To Court Over Resource Control, Others

Group known as Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) has dragged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to a Federal High Court, Yenagoa, over failure to create additional 24 Local government councils in Bayelsa State as the need for Ijaw to control natural resources in its territory.
The Originating Summons marked: FHC/YNA/CS/63/2026 was filed on Tuesday April 21, 2026 by the plaintiffs including; Felix Tuodolo, Weri Digifa, Ebi Waribigha, Kabowei Akamade, Rosebella Jackson, Thomas Jacklloyd, Primrose Kpokposei, David Imole and Welman Warri at the Federal High Court Yenagoa.
Joined as defendants in the suit are the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation.
In the court documents, the Egbesu Assembly premised their action on the alleged failure of the federal government particularly the National Assembly to deliberate, approve and amend the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
This, according to them, is to allow for resource control as well as the creation of additional LGAs in the state to fulfil the requirements in line with the Constitution.
READ ALSO:FG Bans Unauthorized Use Of Ambassador Title
The group is therefore seeking, among others, the amendment of the constitution by the National Assembly to allow for the right to resource control.
The Supreme Egbesu Assembly described the suit action as a promise kept.
Mranwh, In a press statement announcing the institution of the lawsuit on Tuesday, the Egbesu Assembly recalled that, on 12th February 2026, it wrote to both the Federal Government and the National Assembly wherein its gave a 21-Day ultimatum for the duo to respond to the age-long demands for resource control and creation of additional LGAs or face a lawsuit.
The statement partly reads: “Recall that on 12th February 2026, we did inform you that we have written to the National Assembly and the federal government on the need for the creation of an additional 24 Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State as well as the control of our God-given natural resources in Ijaw territory.
“We promised that if the National Assembly and or federal government did not respond to these age-long demands, we were going to seek legal actions to address our demands.
READ ALSO:
“We gave a time frame of twenty-one days for them to respond to us—we got no response!
“Today the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) has kept to its promise.
“We instituted an action at the Federal High Court Yenagoa against the National Assembly and the Federal Government after the expiration of the 21 days. Today we were in court for the first hearing of both cases.”
According to the group, creation of additional local government areas for Bayelsa is as old as the creation of the State itself.
The SEA maintained that “there is nowhere in any democracy where a state is limited to just 8 LGAs: more pathetic is the fact that Bayelsa State is an oil bearing State.
“Bayelsa State presently has twenty four Rural Development Authorities (RDA) which can be easily converted to Local Government areas thereby making the State eligible to participate in the sharing of allocation and the development of their areas for the purpose of justice and equity.
READ ALSO:
“Gentlemen, we wish to inform you that our suit on Resource Control is a revival of our age long agitation.”
The group further stated that Nigeria can no longer operate a system where contributors to the national coffers are not in charge of their resources.
The group added that the lawsuit is therefore for the Ijaw people.
“The Ijaw Nation must be free from all economic strangulation carried out against them by successive Governments,” they added.
The SEA called on all Ijaws to be steadfast and resolute, and continue to support the process by attending all court sessions, stating that “your solidarity is very vital at this point of time in our history. “
The group also called on other Ijaw organizations, communities, Niger Delta people, organizations and all people of goodwill “to join in the march to control and manage our despoiled and mismanaged natural resources.”
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Sacks Wale Edun, Dangiwa As Ministers

President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council, removing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, from their cabinet positions.
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, said the development was contained in a memo signed by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Also appointed is Dr. Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development.
READ ALSO:VIDEO: I Took Over Leadership From Myself; The Late Buhari Is Me — Tinubu
The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.
It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.
Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.
READ ALSO:VIDEO: Tinubu Till 2031, City Boy Movement Members Declare At Bayelsa Rally
He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.
The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.
News5 days agoBREAKING: JAMB To Release First Batch Of 2026 UTME Results Midnight
News4 days agoWorld Bank Flags ‘Hidden Spending System’ Diverting Over N34.53tn Of Nigeria’s Revenue
News5 days agoPopular Nigerian Broadcast Journalist Is Dead
News5 days agoFG Bans Unauthorized Use Of Ambassador Title
News4 days agoVIDEO: I Took Over Leadership From Myself; The Late Buhari Is Me — Tinubu
Metro5 days agoPolice Inspector Arrested For Armed Robbery Dies From Bullet Wounds
News3 days agoFG Slams Import Ban On 17 Items In New Fiscal Policy
News5 days agoOPINION: Nigerian Military: Death On Battlefield, Crumbs On Payroll
Politics5 days ago2027: Why Tinubu Should Be Scared – ADC
News4 days agoGuard Your Admission Carefully – Registrar Urges Newly Matriculated Students














