Meet Benue-born Isabella Achichi, first female electric train pilot in Nigeria

Isabella Achichi is a trailblazing individual who has broken barriers in the field of transportation in Nigeria, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Born on May 5, 1993, into the esteemed family of Capt. Adams Iyopo in Iga-okpaya, Apa local government area of Benue state, Nigeria, she has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout her life.

Isabella’s educational journey began at St. John’s Nursery and Primary School in Otukpo, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. She then attended Christ the King College in Makurdi, where she continued to excel academically.

After completing her secondary education, Isabella pursued higher studies at Benue State Polytechnic, where she earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration and Management in 2021. Her educational background provided her with a strong foundation in management and administration, IDOMA VOICE reports

In 2018, Isabella embarked on her career journey with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), where she initially worked as a Signal and Telecommunications Engineer. Her dedication and hard work quickly caught the attention of her superiors.

Over the years, Isabella gained valuable experience and expertise in the railway industry, which led to her remarkable achievement as the first female electric train driver in Nigeria. Her journey in the railway sector began with her transfer from Abuja to Lagos. This transfer marked a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned to the Driving Department, IDOMA VOICE reports

Isabella Achichi’s historic accomplishment is not only significant in her personal journey but also for the entire nation. She proudly serves as the first pilot to operate the electric-powered train owned by the Lagos State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMATA), making history as the first electric train driver in West Africa. Her training by Chinese drivers enabled her to operate various types of trains, including EMU, DMU, and rail buses, showcasing her adaptability and competence in this specialized field.

Beyond her impressive career in the railway industry, Isabella is a multifaceted individual. She is the owner of “Elbellassignatures,” a fashion and beauty line that offers clothing, professional makeup, and hairstyling services. Additionally, she is a digital content creator and tutor, specializing in online video content creation, where she shares her knowledge and creativity with a wider audience, IDOMA VOICE reports

In her leisure time, Isabella enjoys watching movies, creating digital content, and engaging in marketing activities. Furthermore, she has a family of her own, being married to Mr. Israel Ochedikwu Achichi of Odudaje in Otukpo local government of Benue state, and they are blessed with two children.