Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Akpevwe Ogboru is no ordinary officer. Fresh off a breathtaking 72 day solo motorcycle adventure from Nigeria to Belgium and back, she has etched her name in history as the first Nigerian and the first African woman to conquer the Sahara and span two continents on a single daring ride.
In an exclusive interview, Ogboru spoke to Elizabeth Toyon and Maria Yusuf about the grit, courage, and self discovery that defined her journey. With a voice full of conviction, she spoke passionately about women’s inclusivity and the urgency for women to leave lasting footprints, insisting that “women must make impact in their lifetime and not just exist.”
(Q) What inspired you to embark on such a daring solo journey from Nigeria to Belgium and back.
The initiative was launched to promote women’s inclusivity, empower the girl child, and conduct cross border research aimed at fostering societal growth. Women inclusivity is not about sidelining men but about recognizing the vital role women play in nation building. When a woman is educated and empowered, she uplifts not only herself but her entire community. A well trained woman raises responsible children both boys and girls thereby shaping a more balanced and functional society. Excluding women from opportunities creates societal imbalance, as they are the backbone of family and community development.
The advocacy for women’s inclusion is, therefore, a call to inspire girls and women to pursue their dreams, believe in their potential, and persevere despite setbacks. The cross border research component of the initiative focuses on studying the experiences of traders navigating borders across Africa and Europe. The goal is to understand their challenges and successes, draw lessons from their resilience, and apply those insights to improve social and economic systems at home.
(Q) What were the challenges you faced along the way?
The journey came with its fair share of challenges, including unpredictable weather, rough roads, and limited food options. Communication was also occasionally difficult in countries where English was not widely spoken, but these barriers were overcome by finding locals or guides who could bridge the language gap. While trying new foods was tempting, the nature of the trip required caution to protect one’s health, so snacks and water were kept on hand to ensure sustenance throughout the journey.
Despite these hurdles, the warmth and hospitality of the people they encountered left a lasting impression. Their kindness reflected the enduring spirit of Africa, a sense of community and generosity that defines the continent. The experience highlighted not only the resilience required to navigate such a journey but also the shared humanity and welcoming nature of the people along the way.
(Q) Were there situations where you needed to cross waters ?
Yes, the journey from Morocco to Spain involved crossing from Africa into Europe by boat, a trip that took about an hour, while the return journey from Barcelona to Tangier lasted approximately 33 hours. Beyond the travel experience, it served as a powerful inspiration for women in all spheres, including the workforce. it emphasized that setbacks and doubts from others should never deter women from pursuing their goals. Even when society suggests that certain roles or achievements are beyond their reach, women must persevere, keep pushing forward, and remain resilient, proving that determination and persistence can overcome any obstacle.
(Q) Are there other adventures you are looking forward to?
Due to the nature of my job, I rarely get to travel unless I’m on leave or sent on an official assignment. My first adventure outside the usual work routine actually happened during my leave period. I’ve traveled across all 36 states in Nigeria and throughout West Africa before, but this recent trip was part of an official cross-border research assignment from my office. The purpose was to understand the experiences of female traders as they navigate borders.
During the research, I didn’t identify myself as an officer in most of the places I visited. In some cases, I had to act as a regular passenger to truly observe how traders operate and the challenges they face on the road. That was the essence of the research — to gain a genuine understanding of what women go through in cross-border trade and bring back insights that could help improve their experiences.
(Q) What would you be telling women in the area of balancing family life and work?
When it comes to balancing family life and work, I would say it depends on the individual. There’s no one size fits all rule. The key is to find a balance that makes you fulfilled and content. If you’re not happy with how you’re managing both, then it affects your overall well-being, so focus on what works best for you and your family while ensuring your own happiness.
(Q)What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out?
What I’m really saying is that we should truly L-I-V-E, not just exist or drift through life. Life is meant to be explored, savored, and experienced to the fullest, not just about rigid plans or expectations. Take, for example, if you wrote JAMB hoping to study Medicine but were offered Biology instead don’t see it as a dead end. Embrace the opportunity in front of you, give it your best, and remember you can always reattempt JAMB later to pursue your original dream.
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. The key is to stay flexible, resilient, and proactive. Don’t be too rigid about your choices or let setbacks hold you back. When you fall, rise again with even more determination. Every detour, every challenge, and every unexpected turn is a chance to learn, grow, and move closer to the life you truly want. Make your journey meaningful don’t just exist, but thrive.
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