The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday hosted a reception in honour of Assistant Comptroller (AC) Akpevwe A. Ogboru, who returned to Nigeria after completing a 72-day solo motorcycle expedition across 22 countries from Nigeria to Belgium and back.
The event, held at the Command’s conference hall in Lagos, drew senior customs officials, private sector stakeholders and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the officer’s extraordinary achievement.
Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) A.B. Yunusa, head of the Post Clearance Audit at Apapa Command, praised Ogboru’s courage and determination, describing her journey as “a story of endurance and boundless possibilities that emerge when purpose meets passion.”
“In a world where women have limited possibilities, she has opened a new chapter—one written with grit, adventure and limitless ambition,” Yunusa said.
Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, commended Ogboru for bringing pride to the Command, noting that her adventure had made her a symbol of excellence within the Service.
“You have caused this Command to produce a celebrity in my time,” Oshoba said. “You have proven to be a great ambassador of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially of the Apapa Command where you serve.”
He described Ogboru as an embodiment of strength and resilience, highlighting her ability to adapt to different environments across various geographical and time zones.
“Your solo Nigerian-Belgium journey across 22 countries is something we are all proud of. You have shown physical fitness, mental alertness and environmental awareness,” Oshoba added.
Among the guests at the ceremony was the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of ENL Terminal, Olori Vicky Haastrup, who said she was honoured to celebrate the officer’s success.
“The feat by our officer here makes one more encouraged,” Haastrup said. “I am grateful to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for giving women opportunities to spread their wings to fly and excel.”
Speaking after the reception, AC Ogboru said her cross-continental ride was undertaken to promote women’s inclusivity and to inspire the girl child to dream without limits.
“The ride was for women’s inclusivity and to encourage the girl child,” she said. “When a woman is confident, her children will be confident. When you train the girl child, you train a nation.”
She added that the journey also served as a cross-border research effort to support trade and the movement of goods and services across Africa.
Ogboru acknowledged that the journey came with significant challenges, including extreme weather conditions and poor road networks, but said her determination kept her going.
“There were so many challenges along this journey—the weather, the bad roads and different circumstances—but I was determined to do it, and I did,” she said with a smile.
As the event ended, officers and guests eagerly posed for photographs with the newly celebrated biker, whose remarkable expedition has now become a source of inspiration within the Nigeria Customs Service and beyond.
