By MARTHA AGAS

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commended Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Akpevwe Ogboru, popularly known as Tracta 2, for completing a 35-day solo motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium in support of gender inclusivity.

The commendation was issued in a statement by NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Thursday in Abuja.

Maiwada said Ogboru arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels at 12:47 p.m. on Thursday, after setting off from Nigeria on Aug. 1, 2025, covering approximately 10,265 kilometres across 10 countries and two continents.

He described the journey as a remarkable feat of courage, resilience, and advocacy, undertaken under the theme “Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research.”

“The expedition not only promoted girl-child empowerment and gender parity but also highlighted the importance of mobility, connectivity, and cross-cultural exchange,” he said.

Ogboru’s arrival in Brussels was met with jubilation and admiration, symbolizing national pride and showcasing the strength and determination of Nigerian women.

Maiwada said her achievement served as an inspiration to Customs officers, Nigerians, and the global community, reinforcing that with vision and determination, boundaries can be transcended.

“As she continues her return journey to Nigeria, her accomplishment underscores the NCS’s support for resilience, innovation, and inclusivity,” he added.

He also emphasized that such symbolic achievements helped project a positive national image, strengthened bilateral ties, and reinforced Nigeria’s role in advancing conversations around women and children empowerment.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, lauded Ogboru’s bravery and dedication, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from her journey.

“The Service remains committed to creating an enabling environment for bold initiatives that drive institutional growth and societal advancement,” Adeniyi said. (NAN)

• PHOTO: Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Akpevwe Ogboru, received at the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday after completing a 35 day motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium to advance gender cause under the theme ‘Ride for Women Inclusivity and Cross-Border Research’