The pioneer of Nigeria, the driver of the women’s train receives “sending of amimica …

Issah Abiola, pioneer of Nigeria, Issah Abiola, received the prestigious prize for friendship during the Orchid award ceremony held in Beijing, China.

The prize, hosted by the China Foreign Language Bureau, recognizes international individuals and institutions that promote global cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

ABIOLA, widely known with his Chinese name Bai Yang, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the cultural bonds of China-Nigeria, having grown up by an office assistant at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECCC) to become the first female train driver of Nigeria and a national symbol of resilience and intercultural collaboration.

Founded as an important international cultural award from China, the Orchid award aligns with the initiative of the global civilization proposed by President Xi Jinping.

Celebrate those who advance common human values, intercultural dialogues and vision of a shared future for humanity.

Abiola’s journey with Ccecc began in 2008, according to the construction company.

Driven by the desire to fill the communication gaps between Chinese and Nigerian colleagues, he taught himself to the mandarin.

His efforts have quickly raised his role from administrative support to a critical connection during the construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Abuja Metro project.

In 2013, she became the only woman selected for the formation of the train driver. After rigorous studies and practices on the field, he made history on 12 July 2018, leading the first passenger train of Nigeria managed by a woman.

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Since then, he has guided over 2,000 trips, making more than one million passengers safely.

Increase, beyond the tracks, was a cultural ambassador for Chinese projects in Nigeria, promoting Chinese engineering, culture and bilateral goodwill through public awareness, educational programs and the wide commitment of the media.

Its history has received a global media coverage, becoming a popular cooperation model-for people under the Chinese belt and the road initiative.

According to a Ccecc declaration on the weekend, the Orchid Award is the latest recognition in a series of honors for Abiola, including the China-Nigeria friendship prize of the Chinese embassy in Nigeria and honors of the former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari.

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Ccecc described the story of Abiola as a powerful testimony of the long friendship and cooperation between China and Nigeria.

The company has highlighted its role in the tutoring of a new generation of local women’s train drivers and its current work as a certified coach, helping to transfer Chinese railway skills to local staff.

The company also observed that the Abuja subway project, in which it is based inhalan, has created almost 5,000 jobs for the Nigerians, with 98% local work and an increasing share of Nigerian leadership.

Its ongoing role in Chinese cultural events and technical training, both in Nigeria and in China, underlines its dedication to the deepest China-Africa collaboration.

From linguistic education to cultural performances and tutoring, ABIOLA continues to inspire a new generation, embodying the ideals of partnership, resilience and shared growth.

Ccecc reiterated his commitment to “teach people how to fish” in Africa through the transfer of technology, the development of local talents and cultural integration.

The recognition of Abiola, said the company, symbolized both its personal results and the wider success of cooperation centered on people pursuant to China-Africa relationships.

Speaking to the prize, Abiola said: “This orchid prize means much for me. It is not only a friendship prize, but also a symbol of recognition of both China and Nigeria. I feel appreciated, excited and honored”.

He recommended: “To every Nigerian woman who dreams of becoming a driver of the train: go for this! Do not let the stereotypes or social limits hold you back. This profession, like many others, is not just for men. With determination, hard work and right training, you can excel in this field. Believe in yourself, break the barriers and inspire others.”

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