A group photograph after the event.
Story by Dili Utomi.
“In a world where women have limited possibilities, she has opened up a new chapter, one written with grit, adventures and limitless ambition”.
Above are some of the great words of encouragement to the returning Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Akpevwe A. Ogboru who embarked on a 72 day journey from Nigeria through some African countries to Europe and then back. The above words were those of her principal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, AB Yunusa, the head of the post clearance audit, Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
AC Akpevwe Ogboru was hosted in a reception organised on Tuesday and hosted at the Command’s conference hall.
Comptroller Oshobe in the middle flaked by DC Yunusa, left and Olori Hastruup right.
Speaking further, DC Yunusa said “AC Ogboru’s 72 day remarkable expedition, riding her bike all the way from Nigeria to Belgium was not just an adventure, it was a story of courage, endurance and boundless possibilities that emerge when purpose meets passion”.
The chairman and chief executive officer of the ENL Terminal, Olori Vicky Haastrup who was at the event said “I was really happy when I was invited to this occassion, this is something worth celebrating. The feat by our officer here makes one to be more encouraged and I am grateful to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi for the opportunities given to women to spread their wings to fly and excel”.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba in his speech said of AC Ogboru ” You have caused this Command to produce a celebrity in my time. You have proven yourself to be a great ambassador of the Nigeria Customs Service especially the Apapa Command where you are serving. Indeed it is with nostalgia we shared the excitement when you were warmly received at the Seme Border”.
The officer of the moment, AC Akpevwe Ogboru, the biker and 22 country traveller.
“Indeed, you are the embodiment of strength of womanhood, you have shown physical fitness, mental alertness and environmental awareness in capacity to adapt to various conditions in different geographical and time zones. Your solo Nigerian-Belgium journey across 22 countries is something that we are all proud of. Your juniors and contemporaries are all inspired by this feat”.
The officer who acheived the feat of embarking on a 72 day solo trip through 22 countries from Nigeria to Belgium and back, AC Akpevwe Ogboru was all smiles through the reception. She spoke to us after the event.
“The ride was for women inclusivity and to encourage the girl child. There is a saying that when you train the girl child, you train a nation. When a woman is confident, her children will be confident. The ride is also for a cross border research which could help for trade and movement of goods and services across Africa. This journey has been successful because we have created an awareness and where there is an awareness, you can then work on the subject matter”.
Her words “I should advise that whenever you set your mind to do something, just do it, no matter the obstacles, do not give up, chase your dreams. There were so many challenges along this journey, the weather of all sorts, the bad roads and different circumstances, but I was determined to do it and I did”.
The occassion had all the proud officers at the event egearly angling to have photo opportunities with the latest celebrity from the Nigerian Customs Service and it is hoped that her courageous feat will inspire more young ones to try and venture into areas yet unconquered.
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