By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
“Riding Beyond Borders: Nigerian Woman Customs Biker, Ms Akpevwe Attracta Ogboru, Completes Daring Nigeria–Belgium–Nigeria Expedition”.
A breathtaking display of courage, resilience, and cross-cultural connection, Ms. Akpevwe Attracta Ogboru roared into Abuja on her powerbike at exactly 3:18 p.m., marking the triumphant completion of her Nigeria–Belgium–Nigeria “Ride Beyond Borders” expedition.
The solo journey — spanning 22 countries across Europe and Africa — was more than an endurance test. It was a bold statement for women’s inclusion, cultural diplomacy, and the spirit of African cooperation.
“I didn’t just ride for myself; I rode for every woman who believes she can go further than anyone expects,” Attracta said as she arrived at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters to a warm reception.
Narrating her Crossing Borders, Building Bridges adventures,
Attracta’s expedition took her through bustling cities and quiet villages, from Europe’s orderly roads to Africa’s unpredictable terrains.
But her goal was clear: to connect cultures, learn languages, and remind the world that adventure knows no gender or border.
“I danced with strangers, played football with village children, and shared meals that became memories,” she recalled. “Travel teaches joy, patience, and gratitude.”
Through laughter and moments of solitude, Attracta found herself learning as much about people as about endurance. From delays at sleepy European towns where “nobody wakes before 10,” to grueling desert rides in 47°C Sahara heat, she discovered the deeper meaning of resilience.
Attracta reflects trials on the Road
According to Ms Attracta, The road was far from easy. Despite holding an official passport as a Nigerian customs officer, border crossings often stretched into hours of questioning and repeated checks.
“Sometimes I’d spend three or four hours at one border. Not because my papers were wrong — but because the system wasn’t friendly,” she said.
“That’s when I realized: Africa needs real trade facilitation. We must make movement across borders easier.”
Yet, amid frustration, she found kindness — the hospitality of strangers who offered food, rest, and even shelter at checkpoints when the road grew too dark or long.
Further, she stressed Faith, Fear, and the Fire of the Desert
One of the most frightening moments came in Mauritania, when her passport and documents fell off during the scorching desert leg of her trip”, She explained.
“It was 47 degrees. My brain felt fried,” she laughed. “When I realized my documents were gone, I cried. But the Mauritanian customs and police launched a quick search — and miraculously, I got everything back within hours.”
She credited the success of her journey to her faith and divine protection.
“Every time I felt lost, an angel appeared — sometimes in the form of a biker, sometimes a kind stranger,” she said. “I never rode alone. God was with me.”
In her Call for Unity and Rest
Attracta’s reflections went beyond the ride. She spoke about the cultural contrasts she witnessed — especially between Europe’s slower, family-oriented pace and the nonstop hustle of cities like Lagos.
“We Nigerians work hard — but maybe we need to learn the value of rest,” she mused. “Rest is strength. It’s how we recharge to go further.”
The Journey’s Legacy
As Attracta’s bike cooled outside the Nigeria Customs Headquarters, her message remained loud and clear: this was not just a road trip — it was a movement.
A movement for African connectivity, women’s empowerment, and the courage to chase dreams beyond fear.
“I crossed 22 borders, but the real journey was within,” she smiled. “I learned that faith travels faster than fear.”
About “Ride Beyond Borders”
The Ride Beyond Borders Expedition is a cultural diplomacy and women’s empowerment initiative led by Ms. Akpevwe Attracta Ogboru, a Nigerian powerbiker and customs officer. The journey promotes cross-border cooperation, trade facilitation, and inclusivity for women in adventure and leadership spaces.