Face | Female EMU driver Isabella: Breaking barriers in West Africa
Isabella Adams Israel, a 30-year-old trailblazer from Nigeria, is redefining the future of transportation in West Africa. As the first female Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train driver in the region, her journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and breaking barriers.
With seven years of experience in the rail industry, including two years as a certified professional train driver, Isabella is at the forefront of the Lagos Metro revolution, specifically the Blue Line Metro project. This monumental project, a collaboration between the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is set to transform the transportation landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's bustling commercial capital. This is one of the representative livelihood projects of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Blue Line Metro is the first electrified urban rail transit project in West Africa to be independently designed, built and operated by a Chinese company, and it is also one of the most challenging infrastructure projects in Lagos' history.
Isabella holds the historic title of being West Africa's first female EMU train driver, a position that requires technical expertise, precision, and an unwavering commitment to safety. She is currently responsible for operating advanced electric-powered trains, managing the team of drivers, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the trains.The project, which spans 27 kilometers and includes 13 stations, is already making significant strides in improving city's infrastructure. The first phase of the Blue Line, covering 13 kilometers with five stations, offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative to Lagos' notorious traffic gridlock.
"This project is a source of immense pride for me," says Isabella,"Being a part of this groundbreaking infrastructure development has not only given me a platform to excel, but has also contributed to my growth as a pioneer in the rail industry."
Isabella's work with CCECC, a leading Chinese construction company, has been transformative. The collaboration has given her access to cutting-edge railway technology and advanced training programs that have enhanced her technical expertise. Through this partnership, she has developed a deeper understanding of EMU operations while adapting to a multicultural work environment that has sharpened her interpersonal and teamwork skills.
"The experience with my Chinese colleagues has been incredibly enriching. I have learned a lot about discipline, work ethics, and the importance of efficiency," she explains. "It has inspired me to continually improve my skills and strive for excellence in all that I do."
Isabella is not only helping to modernize Lagos' transport system; she is also playing a role in shaping the city's future. The Blue Line Metro is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and attract significant investments. More than just a transportation project, the Blue Line enhances connectivity, reduces traffic congestion, and provides a safe and affordable way for residents to travel.
The project also holds tremendous social impact. By improving connectivity, it is uniting communities, revitalizing neighborhoods and improves the overall quality of life for Lagos residents. "It's more than just trains running on tracks," says Isabella."It's about improving lives, creating opportunities, and laying the foundation for a more modern, efficient, and interconnected Lagos."(By Zhao Anqi/China Youth Daily)
