Superintendent of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made history by completing an extraordinarily grueling solo motorcycle journey across 12 African countries, covering over 8,000 kilometres—a feat unmatched by any Nigerian woman.
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The Journey at a Glance
- Start: Lagos, Nigeria – November 10, 2023
- Route: Traveled through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and back through Togo
- End: Seme-Krake Joint Border Post – December 3, 2023
- Duration: 23 days
Key Highlights
- First-Ever Nigerian Woman to Achieve This:
Ogboru became the first Nigerian woman to traverse 12 African countries by motorcycle. - Reflecting on the Journey:
She described the experience as “awesome,” noting how it deepened her appreciation of unity across West Africa: “Africa and indeed, West Africa are great places. And I’ve come to realize that we’re all the same people.”
On security, she emphasized awareness over fear:
“You just have to be security conscious, but it’s not as bad as they portray it.” - A Symbol of Work-Life Balance:
Comptroller Timi Bomodi of the Seme Area Command lauded Ogboru’s courage and passion, highlighting the Nigeria Customs’ leadership commitment—under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi—to encouraging work-life balance. - Recognition Within the Service:
In March 2024, the NCS publicly acknowledged Ogboru’s trailblazing ride, praising her as a positive role model and a figure who has significantly elevated the service’s image.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Distance Traveled | Over 8,000 km |
| Duration | 23 days (Nov 10 – Dec 3, 2023) |
| Countries Covered | 12 African countries |
| Route Highlights | Lagos → multiple West African nations → Seme-Krake Border |
| Significance | First Nigerian woman to complete such ride; embraced widely by NCS |
Why This Matters
- Empowerment & Inspiration: Ogboru’s bold journey breaks gender norms, reinforcing that women can pursue extraordinary feats regardless of societal expectations.
- Unity in Diversity: Her words remind us that language and borders don’t divide us as much as we think.
- Balanced Leadership: The NCS’s support for her endeavor underscores the value of encouraging personal growth alongside professional dedication.
- Focused on Facts: Her journey also challenges misperceptions about security in West Africa, promoting a safer and more nuanced perspective.
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