The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday, 11th November rolled out the drums to welcome back one of their own who had gone a journey of courage and inspiration riding motor bike from Nigeria to Belgium in 72days.
Speaking during the ceremony held in the conference hall of the command, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba commended the heroine, Assistant Comptroller, AC Akpevwe Ogboru who is from the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit of the command for her exceptional achievement, describing her as “a true ambassador of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)” following her historic solo motorbike trip.
He said, "Your trip on a motorbike from Nigeria to Belgium speaks volumes about our Service and the values we uphold. You have proven yourself as an ambassador of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly of Apapa Command, where you serve with distinction. We followed your journey with great pride, and it felt like watching the Discovery Channel, only this time, one of our own was the star".
The Comptroller further described Ogboru's adventure as a symbol of human endurance, physical fitness, and mental alertness, noting her ability to adapt across diverse terrains, climates, and time zones during her expedition.
“Your 72-day solo ride was a remarkable feat,” he added. “You have inspired your colleagues and motivated your superiors. You are indeed a celebrity in Customs uniform, and the global community has taken note of your accomplishment. No Venture, No Success. Thank you for venturing, and thank God for your success".
Earlier in her opening remarks, Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, DC AB Yinusa described Ogboru as 'a woman of valour, resilience and a trailblazer who has broken barriers and inspired countless women within and beyond the Service.
Continuing, she said, "Assistant Comptroller Ogboru’s 72-day expedition from Nigeria to Belgium is not just a tale of adventure it is a story of courage, endurance, and possibility. It reflects the spirit of the modern Customs officer; bold, curious, and globally minded. Her journey reminds us that we are not only enforcers of trade laws and protectors of the nation’s economic frontiers, but also ambassadors of resilience and excellence".
She added that Ogboru’s achievement has projected a new image for the Nigeria Customs Service, demonstrating that women in uniform can achieve greatness beyond traditional expectations. "She has proven that women can dream boldly, act courageously, and achieve exceptionally. In a world that often limits women’s possibilities, she has opened a new chapter, one written with grit, adventure, and limitless ambition. Her story tells every young girl that no journey is too long, no dream is too high, and no road is too far when courage leads the way". Yunusa stressed.
Also speaking at the colourful ceremony, the Chairman of ENL Consortium, Olori Vicky Hasstrop expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, for his continued encouragement and support for women officers of the service, whose leadership style has inspired women to spread their wings and soar higher. While encouraging the heroine, she said, “AC Ogboru, the sky is your limit. People say 'what a man can do, a woman can do better' and you have just proven that. To every woman in the Nigeria Customs Service, I say this: you are not weak. You are strong, capable and courageous.
AC Ogboru, who embarked on a journey of 22 counties in 72 day acknowledged that challenges she faced while on the journey didn't deter her from achieving her goal, said the ride was for women inclusivity and to encourage the girl child. She said, "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”.
In her advice she said, “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”.
Ogboru thanked the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr and his management team for providing a level playing field for all officers of the service and for giving her the opportunity to achieve her dream she equally thanks the CAC and heads of units and her colleagues for the supports and encouragement she received from them.
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