- Returns to Heroic Welcome at Seme Border
Femi Ashekun/
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Akpevwe Ogboru, a trailblazing officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has finally returned home after completing an extraordinary 72-day solo motorbike expedition from Nigeria to Belgium and back.
Ogboru, who embarked on the daring ‘Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research’ on August 1, arrived triumphantly on Saturday, October 11, to a warm reception at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.
She was received by senior officers, including the host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, and other Area Controllers from Zone A.
Beaming with joy and gratitude, AC Ogboru shared the highs and lows of her adventure, which spanned 22 countries across two continents and covered over 21,000 kilometers.
“It’s been 72 days in 22 countries, and I’m happy to be finally back. I always try to stay on the positive side of life. When challenges came, I prayed about them. Sometimes the bike would develop a small fault, but by God’s grace, I always made it through,” she said.
Ogboru revealed that her motivation was to inspire women and girls to pursue their dreams without fear or doubt.
“This ride was for women’s inclusivity and empowerment. I want women to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to do. Don’t listen to discouragement or fear, move forward with positivity,” she encouraged.
She fondly named her motorcycle Rocky, describing it as a symbol of resilience and endurance.
Ogboru also expressed hope that her cross-continental journey would help strengthen ties between Africa and Europe.
“My prayer is that this ride will bring about positivity and meaningful impact. Africa and Europe can learn from each other, and I hope this experience fosters progress on both sides,” she added.
Welcoming her, Comptroller Wale Adenuga praised Ogboru’s courage and noted that her accomplishment reflects the leadership ideals of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“We have a CGC who believes in inclusivity and empowerment. She said many people discouraged her, but the CGC supported her all the way. That shows we have leadership that encourages boldness and innovation,” Adenuga stated.
The Comptroller-General, in a congratulatory message hailed Ogboru as a “trailblazer,” commending her resilience, courage, and commitment to women’s empowerment and cross-border research.
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