By Olatunde Rex Oyez | Ilorin
A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Ogboru, has made history after completing an extraordinary 72-day solo motorbike expedition from Nigeria to Belgium and back, a journey spanning more than 10,000 kilometers across multiple countries and two continents.
Ogboru, fondly known as “Tracta 2” within the riding community, embarked on the daring adventure on August 1, 2025, from Nigeria, traversing West, Central, and North Africa before riding through Europe to her final destination, the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels. She arrived there on September 4, 2025, at exactly 12:47 p.m., marking a significant milestone for both herself and the NCS.
The mission, tagged “Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research,” was designed to promote gender equality, advocate for the girl child, and strengthen cross-border relations through cultural exchange. Ogboru said she undertook the journey to prove that women could achieve greatness beyond limits and inspire younger generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Throughout the arduous journey, she faced extreme weather conditions, complex border protocols, and difficult terrains, yet her determination and discipline never wavered. Her feat makes her the first female Customs officer in Nigeria’s history to complete a solo overland ride from Africa to Europe and back.
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Upon her return to Nigeria, Ogboru received a hero’s welcome from her colleagues, family, and admirers. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, led senior officers in celebrating her remarkable achievement, describing it as “a symbol of courage, endurance, and excellence.”
In a statement, the NCS said Ogboru’s success reflects the service’s commitment to promoting positive representation and encouraging officers to pursue innovative initiatives that enhance the nation’s global image. “Her journey tells a powerful story of resilience, determination, and the limitless potential of Nigerian women,” the statement read.
Speaking at her reception, Ogboru expressed deep gratitude for the support she received throughout the mission. “This ride was more than just a personal adventure; it was a message that women can go the distance, literally and figuratively. Every kilometer covered was a testament to faith, focus, and the beauty of resilience,” she said.
Beyond its historic significance, the expedition is expected to influence future empowerment initiatives within the NCS and inspire young Nigerians, especially women, to step beyond social and professional boundaries.
As Ogboru returns to duty, her 72-day journey stands as a lasting reminder that with vision, courage, and discipline, even the most daring dreams can become a national symbol of pride.
