Issah Abiola, Nigeria’s first female train driver, received the Friendship Envoy Award at the second Orchid Awards ceremony held in Beijing on 10 July, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to fostering understanding and friendship between African and Chinese people. 

Also known by her Chinese name Bai Yang, Abiola joined China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in Nigeria in 2008. Over the years, she has actively promoted the achievements of cooperation between Chinese enterprises and the Nigerian people through various media channels. She has become an inspiration and role model for millions in both China and Africa. 

Abiola has witnessed firsthand how cooperation with China has supported Africa’s development and improved people’s livelihoods, including her own. She told ChinAfrica that China-Nigeria railway cooperation not only helped her fulfil her dream of becoming a train driver, but also provided a crucial mode of transport for locals and spurred economic growth along the routes. 

The Orchid Awards are organised by China International Communications Group to recognise individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions to exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations. At this year’s ceremony, six individuals received the Friendship Envoy Award, while two others and the Philadelphia Orchestra were presented with Outstanding Achievement Awards. In addition, Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO and senior adviser to the Board of Directors of the Europe-Asia Centre, was honoured with the Lifetime Honorary Award.