In 2008, Nigerian woman Issah Abiola joined China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), where she dedicated herself to mastering diverse skills through rigorous training. Her perseverance and determination propelled her to become Nigeria’s first female train driver.
As a bridge of friendship between China and Nigeria, Abiola has actively shared stories of Sino-African cooperation everywhere she went. She adopted the Chinese name Bai Yang, which means “the resilient poplar tree”. In an exclusive interview with China News Service’s “W. E. Talk”, Abiola shared her “railroad dream” and her vision of China-Africa cooperation.
Here are the excerpts of the interview:
CNS: What motivated you to become Nigeria’s first female train driver in history? What challenges did you face during this journey, and how did you overcome them?
Abiola: While working on the Abuja-Kaduna Railway project, I learned that a professional training program for train drivers was about to begin. That moment sparked something in me, and I mustered the courage to apply. During my time studying in China, I was deeply impressed by the speed and orderliness of Chinese railways — that’s when the dream of becoming a train driver first took root in my heart. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I wanted to break gender stereotypes by myself, and set an example for more Nigerian women.
Throughout the training, I faced many challenges. There was skepticism from society, as many believed women were not suited to be train drivers. The physical demands and technical requirements were also intense. But I firmly believed that ability has nothing to do with gender. With determination, hard work, and the dedicated guidance of my Chinese instructors, I gradually overcame the difficulties and proudly became Nigeria’s first certified female train driver.
CNS: You self-learned Chinese and chose the Chinese name Bai Yang which means poplar trees. What is the story and meaning behind this?
Abiola: In 2010, I came to China to study language and culture. During a train ride, I was struck by the sight of rows of tall, upright trees outside the window. A Chinese colleague told me they were poplar trees (baiyang), symbolizing resilience and the strength to stand tall in the face of adversity.
That moment deeply moved me, and I decided to adopt “Bai Yang” as my Chinese name. I hope to be like the poplar tree, standing firm in any environment. More importantly, I want to pass on this spirit of resilience and confidence to African women, encouraging them to chase their dreams and break through social barriers.
As a woman in this industry, I hope to break traditional stereotypes and inspire more women to pursue their dreams. My story shows that as long as you are willing to try, there is nothing a woman cannot achieve. For Nigerian society, especially for young women, this carries an important and positive message.
CNS: What changes do you think the BRI has brought to Nigeria? How do you see the role of Africa-China friendship and cooperation in promoting cultural exchanges and friendship?
Abiola: The BRI has brought tangible changes to Nigeria. In the past, many areas faced transportation difficulties, which affected people’s lives and regional development. Today, with the construction of railways and light rail systems by Chinese enterprises, not only has travel efficiency improved, but the local economies along the routes have also been stimulated.
Chinese technology and engineering standards have set a new benchmark for railway construction in Nigeria. From engineering design and equipment manufacturing to operations and maintenance, they are always demonstrating high quality and efficiency. These advanced experiences have provided strong support for the modernization of Nigeria’s transportation system and have greatly benefited front-line workers like me.
Transportation is the lifeline of a nation’s development. Africa-China cooperation in the transportation sector has not only improved our infrastructure, but also created opportunities for economic recovery and employment. For local young people like me, these projects have provided a chance to learn new skills, secure meaningful jobs, and even inspire more women to join the railway industry.
The significance of Africa-China cooperation goes beyond economics — it extends to cultural understanding and people-to-people connection. Through working and living with my Chinese colleagues, I’ve learned about Chinese culture, language, and cuisine, while also sharing Nigeria’s traditions. This kind of interaction brings us closer and lays a solid foundation for lasting friendship between African and Chinese people.
CNS: Promoted by the BRI, what potential do you see for future cooperation between Africa and China? How can we further strengthen Africa-China relations？
Abiola: In the future, Africa-China cooperation can further explore areas such as education and vocational training, green development, and digital infrastructure. For example, providing more scholarship programs and technical training opportunities for African youth can help us build local capacity for independent development.
At the same time, more cultural exchanges, youth visits, and joint initiatives can be carried out, shifting the focus from the “nfrastructure project level” to the “people-to-people engagement level”. I believe that as long as we uphold the principles of mutual benefit and mutual respect, Africa-China relations will continue to grow stronger and go even further.
Baiyang (Issah Abiola), Nigeria’s first female locomotive driver, joined China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria in 2008. When the Abuja Rail Mass Transit officially launched in 2018, she was received by then-President Muhammadu Buhari as the train’s driver. In 2019, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria awarded her the “China-Nigeria Friendship Contribution Award”. In 2025, she received the Friendship Envoy Award at the second Orchid Awards.
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