Akpevwe Ogboru motorbike journey takes her through 22 countries in 72 days, marking a historic ride from Nigeria to Belgium and back
kpevwe Ogboru motorbike journey has earned the admiration of Nigerians and beyond as the Assistant Comptroller of Customs returned home after completing an extraordinary 72-day solo expedition from Nigeria to Belgium and back.
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According to a statement released on Monday by Abdullahi Maiwada, National PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogboru rode across 22 countries between 1 August and 11 October 2025, finally arriving at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post where she was warmly received by senior officers, including Seme Customs Area Controller, Wale Adenuga, and other Customs Area Controllers within Zone A.
Reflecting on the long and often demanding journey, Ogboru said:
“It’s been 72 days in 22 countries, and I am happy to be finally back. I just like to stay on the positive side of life. Every time I move, I move with positivity.”
While she encountered several challenges — including minor issues with the motorbike — she credits her resilience and faith for pulling through. “When challenges came, I prayed about it,” she shared, underscoring the mental and spiritual strength that carried her through unfamiliar terrain and intense conditions.
More than a personal adventure, Ogboru’s journey was rooted in women’s empowerment.
Her mission, she said, was to demonstrate that women can chase bold dreams, no matter the odds or public doubt.
“This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child. Anything you set your mind to do, do it. Don’t allow anybody to discourage you,” she urged.
Her expedition wasn’t just symbolic — it was strategic. Ogboru expressed hope that such cross-border experiences could deepen Africa–Europe relations, noting that mutual learning and cooperation were essential for continental progress.
“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 at the Seme Border, CAC Wale Adenuga praised her courage, describing her as a role model within the Service and an embodiment of the values upheld by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
“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,” Adenuga stated.
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With this unprecedented feat, AC Akpevwe Ogboru becomes the first female Customs officer in Nigeria to successfully embark on and complete such a cross-continental motorbike journey — a pioneering act that has inspired praise across and beyond the Service.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
