Customs Officer Akpevwe Ogboru Champions Women’s Empowerment with 72-Day Solo Ride Across 22 Countries
Kathy Kyari
In a bold display of courage and determination, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru has completed a 72-day solo motorcycle journey from Nigeria to Belgium and back, an inspiring feat she dedicated to promoting women’s empowerment and the inclusion of the girl-child across Africa.
Assistant Comptroller Ogboru, who began the daring adventure on August 1, 2025, returned to Nigeria on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and was received to a heroic welcome at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post by senior Customs officers, including the host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, and other Area Controllers within Zone A.
Beaming with joy and gratitude, Ogboru reflected on the highs and lows of her expedition, describing it as a journey of faith, resilience, and positivity.
“It’s been 72 days in 22 countries, and I’m happy to be finally back. I just like to stay on the positive side of life. Every time I move, I move with positivity. When challenges came, I prayed about it, sometimes the bike would only have a little issue when it arrived in the country, so I would just be able to do little," she said.
Ogboru explained that her journey was driven by a mission to inspire women and promote the empowerment of the girl-child.
“This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child. It's to encourage all women and to tell them, be strong, don't be discouraged, anything that you set your mind to do, do it, don't allow anybody to discourage you. Because sometimes when you listen to people, you become afraid, and when fear comes in, it cripples you, you are not able to do anything, but when you go and move with that positivity, everything moves on and it's fine," she noted.
The Customs officer affectionately named her motorcycle Rocky, symbolizing endurance and resilience throughout her cross-continental adventure. She expressed hope that her experience would help strengthen ties between Africa and Europe.
“My prayer is that this ride will bring about positivity and meaningful impact,” she said. “Africa and Europe can do better. We have things to learn from each other, and I hope this experience encourages progress on both sides.”
Welcoming her back, Comptroller Wale Adenuga praised Ogboru for her bravery, describing her as a source of pride and inspiration to the Service.
“We have a CGC who believes in inclusivity and empowerment. She said many people discouraged her, but the CGC stood by her. That shows we have leadership that encourages boldness and innovation. With this achievement, she has put Nigeria on the world map, and I believe trade facilitation will become better with the CGC’s vision," he said.
Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Ogboru is the first female officer in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service to undertake and complete such a journey, a groundbreaking achievement that continues to draw admiration and applause across the Service.
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