In a groundbreaking feat, Superintendent Akpevwe Ogboru, a dedicated member of the Nigeria Customs Service, has etched her name in history as the first Nigerian woman to embark on an extraordinary journey spanning 12 African countries, covering an impressive distance of over 8,000 kilometers.
Commencing her unprecedented expedition from Lagos on November 10, 2023, Superintendent Ogboru navigated her way through a diverse array of nations, including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo. The culmination of her remarkable journey took place on Sunday, December 3, 2023, as she arrived at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.
Expressing her passion for travel, Ogboru shared insights from her awe-inspiring journey, stating, “It’s been an awesome experience. Africa, and indeed, West Africa, are remarkable places. I’ve come to realize that we’re all fundamentally the same people. We may have language and ethnic diversity, but at the core, everything is fundamentally the same.”
Addressing the topic of security, she added, “Security remains a constant factor; one must be security-conscious. However, it’s not as dire as often portrayed. You just need to maintain awareness.” Ogboru used the opportunity to encourage women to relentlessly pursue their dreams, urging them not to be deterred by fears.
The Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, expressed delight at Ogboru’s courage and passion throughout her extraordinary journey. He emphasized the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to promote a healthy work-life balance for the officers and personnel of the service.
“The current management, led by the CGC, encourages a work-life balance; in other words, work is essential, but it should be balanced with activities that add value to one’s life,” stated Comptroller Bomodi. “She is the epitome of the Nigeria Customs Service. What she has accomplished today is unprecedented among Nigerian women, and we take great pride in her success. She is also projecting a positive image of the Nigeria Customs Service, signifying the impactful work we are engaged in,” he concluded.
