NCS Biker Queen of the Road, DC AA Ogboru, Honoured with Ship Naming at WASA 2026

By Sandra Chukwunyere

The 2026 edition of the Wale Adeniyi Secondary School Sports Competition  witnessed two major highlights as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young sporting talents while honouring one of its most celebrated officers, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Akpevwoghene Attracta Ogboru, popularly known as the NCS Biker Queen of the Road, with the commissioning of a ship in her name.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena(WASA), Ibafon, Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, assured participants that the Service would continue to discover, nurture and support talented young athletes through sponsorship and career development opportunities.

The assurance was delivered by the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, who represented the Comptroller-General at the event.

According to Ntadi, the competition demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to youth development and sports promotion. He disclosed that the Service would closely monitor participants throughout the championship and provide support for athletes who distinguish themselves through outstanding performance, discipline and dedication.

“We want to promote sports among our youths, take our children off the streets, and give them the opportunity to develop their talents so that, in the future, Nigeria will be proud of them,” the Comptroller-General stated through his representative.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at discovering emerging talents, encouraging excellence and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to pursue successful sporting careers while contributing positively to society.

The championship, which attracted hundreds of students from secondary schools across Lagos State, also provided a platform for the recognition of exceptional achievements within the Nigeria Customs Service.

One of the most memorable moments of the competition was the commissioning of a ship in honour of DC Akpevwoghene Attracta Ogboru, a trailblazing officer whose remarkable transcontinental expeditions have earned her national and international acclaim.

Currently serving at the PTML Area Command, Lagos, DC Ogboru has become a symbol of courage, resilience and determination. In 2023, she made history as the first Nigerian woman to undertake a solo road expedition across 12 West African countries, covering more than 8,000 kilometres in 23 days.

Determined to further promote women’s empowerment and cross-border trade research, she embarked on an even more ambitious expedition in 2025, riding a motorcycle from Nigeria to Europe. The historic journey took her across 21 countries in West Africa, North Africa and Europe, covering approximately 21,080 kilometres in 72 days.

The expedition, themed “A Ride for Women Inclusivity, Empowerment of the Girl Child and Cross-Border Research,” focused on promoting women’s participation in economic activities while documenting the experiences of traders across international borders.

Throughout the journey, she proudly flew the Nigerian flag and the flag of the Nigeria Customs Service, serving as an ambassador of goodwill and projecting a positive image of the country and the Service across several nations.

By commissioning a ship in her name during WASA 2026, the Western Marine Command paid tribute to her pioneering accomplishments, patriotism and dedication to service.

The honour not only celebrated her personal achievements but also served as an inspiration to the young athletes participating in the competition, reinforcing the values of hard work, perseverance and excellence.

As the championship came to a close, the twin messages of youth empowerment and recognition of excellence stood out strongly, reflecting the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to developing future champions while celebrating officers who continue to make the nation proud.