By MARTHA AGA

An officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Akpevwe Ogboru, says she overcame the highs and lows of her 72-day solo motorbike ride from Nigeria to Belgium and back by keeping a positive mindset

Ogboru popularly known as Tracta 2 at a reception organised for her at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post said her bike had little issues in some countries but she was not deterred on her mission.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NCS`s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogboru completed a 35-day solo motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium in support of gender inclusivity on Sept. 4 after setting out from Nigeria on Aug. 1, 2025.

She covered approximately 10,265 kilometres across 10 countries and two continents in an expedition

Themed ‘Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research’, the expedition was designed to spotlight key causes promoting gender inclusivity and amplifying girl-child empowerment initiatives.

Maiwada said Ogboru returned to Nigeria on Saturday and was warmly received at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post by senior officers, including the host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, alongside other Area Controllers within Zone A.

He quoted Ogboru as saying that her journey was inspired by a mission to encourage women to pursue their dreams fearlessly, in spite of opposition or doubt from others.

She said, `It’s been 72 days in 22 countries and I am happy to be finally back. I just like to stay on the positive side of life.

“Every time I move, I move with positivity. When challenges came, I prayed about it, sometimes the bike would only have a little issue when it arrived in the country, so I would just be able to do little.”

She expressed hope that the ride would bring about positivity and meaningful impact, adding that the cross-continental experience would further strengthen Africa–Europe relations and foster collaborative growth

NAN recalls that NCS`s Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, had lauded Ogboru’s bravery and dedication, reiterating that the service remained committed to creating an enabling environment for bold initiatives that drive institutional growth and societal advancement. (NAN)