…Returns to Heroic Welcome at Seme Border
— A Journey of Courage, Faith, and the Power of Positivity
When Assistant Comptroller of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru revved her motorcycle engine on the morning of August 1, 2025, few could have imagined the magnitude of the adventure she was about to embark upon. Alone, with nothing but determination, faith, and a motorbike she fondly calls Rocky, she set off on a journey that would take her from Nigeria to Belgium and back—a 72-day odyssey through 22 countries, across deserts, rain, fatigue, and doubt.
On October 11, 2025, she finally returned home. As her motorcycle rolled into the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, a crowd of colleagues and admirers burst into cheers. Some waved flags, others clapped, and a few shed quiet tears. The woman they once thought was chasing an impossible dream had returned, triumphant.
“It’s been 72 days in 22 countries, and I’m happy to be finally back,” she said, smiling through exhaustion. “Every time I move, I move with positivity. When challenges came, I prayed about it. Sometimes the bike would have issues, but somehow, it always got fixed. I just stayed positive.”
Her words were calm, but her story spoke of grit and courage that transcended borders.
For Ogboru, this was never just about adventure. It was about proving a point — that women can be daring, resilient, and unstoppable.
“This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child,” she said. “I wanted to encourage women not to give up on their dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Once fear sets in, it cripples you. But when you move with positivity, everything falls into place.”
Her motorcycle, Rocky, became her companion through lonely roads, language barriers, and unpredictable weather. Each kilometer tested her endurance, but also reminded her of her purpose.
“Rocky symbolizes resilience,” she laughed. “It was my partner through everything — the rain, the heat, the breakdowns. Together, we conquered it all.”
There were moments when she almost gave up — when the roads stretched endlessly, when her strength waned, or when her motorbike groaned under pressure. But in those moments, she turned to prayer.“Sometimes I’d park by the roadside, close my eyes and just pray,” she recalled. “And somehow, a solution would come — someone would stop to help, or I’d suddenly figure out what was wrong. God was with me all through.”
Her return to Nigeria was nothing short of a celebration. At the Seme Border, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, and other senior officers were there to welcome her back.
“She has made us proud,” Comptroller Adenuga said. “This is the spirit of the new Nigeria Customs — courage, innovation, and inclusion. The Comptroller-General supported her because we believe in empowering officers, especially women, to reach their full potential.”
Ogboru’s achievement goes far beyond personal glory. It’s a story of resilience, representation, and the audacity to dream. She stands today not just as a Customs officer, but as a symbol of what Nigerian women can achieve when they dare to step beyond the ordinary.
“My prayer is that this ride brings about positivity and meaningful impact,” she said. “Africa and Europe have things to learn from each other. I hope this experience strengthens our ties and inspires others to dream bigger.”
As the sun set over the Seme border that evening, Rocky stood parked — dusty, but victorious. And beside it, Akpevwe Ogboru smiled quietly, knowing she had done more than complete a journey. She had written her name into history — as the first female officer of the Nigeria Customs Service to ride solo across continents and back, powered by nothing more than faith, courage, and an unshakable belief in the possible..