In a remarkable display of courage, endurance, and determination, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Akpevwe Ogboru, has etched her name in history by completing a daring 72-day solo motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium and back becoming the first female officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to achieve such a feat.
Ogboru, fondly known as “Africa’s Iron Rider,” embarked on her audacious journey on August 1, 2025, covering 22 countries across Africa and Europe before returning to Nigeria on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Her triumphant return at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post was met with cheers and celebration, as senior officers of the Service, including Comptroller Wale Adenuga and other Area Controllers within Zone A, turned out to welcome her home.
Radiant with excitement, Ogboru recounted her adventure’s highs and lows from mechanical challenges to cultural exchanges all powered by unwavering faith and optimism.
“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,” she said. “When challenges came, I prayed about it. Every stop, every border, was a lesson in resilience.”
Ogboru revealed that the expedition, undertaken on her trusty motorbike nicknamed *Rocky*, was more than a personal challenge it was a statement of empowerment.
“This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child,” she explained. “I want every woman to know she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Fear only limits you courage moves you forward.”
Her mission also carried a diplomatic undertone, as she hoped the cross-continental experience would foster stronger Africa–Europe relations and inspire meaningful collaboration.
Welcoming her at Seme, Comptroller Wale Adenuga lauded her bravery, calling her journey “a reflection of the leadership vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs.”
“We have a CGC who believes in inclusivity and empowerment,” Adenuga said. “Ogboru has shown the world the strength of Nigerian women and the innovative spirit within our Service.”
With her record-setting journey, AC Akpevwe Ogboru has not only redefined endurance and passion within the Nigeria Customs Service but also blazed a trail for women across Africa proving that no dream is too distant to chase