The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hajia ’Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic (DST), Anifat Abiodun Bello, with a N500,000 cash gift for her years of dedicated service.
Sowunmi-Kolapo hosted a retirement reception for Bello, popularly known as “Aunty Anifat”, at Obantoko in Abeokuta, where she praised the retired traffic officer for her professionalism, discipline, resilience and commitment to duty.
Bello, who served with the Ogun State Police Command, recently retired after 35 years of service and became widely known for her cheerful disposition and dedication to traffic management in Abeokuta.
While presenting the N500,000 cheque, Sowunmi-Kolapo described Bello’s commitment to duty as “infectious” and urged other security personnel and public servants to emulate her example.
“You are a role model for younger Nigerians. I want to commend you for your professionalism. Gold or silver, I do not have. But please accept this as a token of appreciation for your infectious commitment to duty. It is the beginning of greater things to come for you,” she said.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also promised that workers in Ogun State would enjoy improved welfare if the PDP, led by its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, wins the 2027 governorship election.
“I want to assure our people in Ogun State that hard work will pay and our civil servants will always smile home,” she said.
The wife of the PDP governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, announced an additional N500,000 cash support for Bello, bringing the total cash gifts from the two PDP figures to N1m.
Adebutu praised Bello’s conduct while directing traffic, recalling that she had often seen the retired officer working with a smile despite the demands of her job.
“I see you all the time while performing your traffic duty, ever smiling. One day, I was passing and I asked myself, how does this woman manage to smile always?” she said.
Adebutu also told Bello that she would be part of an Adebutu administration if the PDP wins the 2027 election, a political promise that would depend on the outcome of the election.
Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, described Bello’s selflessness and passion for service as worthy of emulation, while the party’s state secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, praised her for her cheerful disposition and alleged refusal to accept bribes from road users.
“Madam Anifat won’t take bribes from anyone. People like you are very rare,” Sodipo said.
Members of Bello’s family also expressed appreciation to Sowunmi-Kolapo, Adebutu and other guests for celebrating her years of service.
Her younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, described her as accommodating, caring, generous and jovial, while her daughter, Dorcas Olusegun, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception.
Bello, who was visibly delighted by the recognition, thanked the PDP leaders and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.
“I am really happy and I want to thank our mummy, Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo, Mrs Adebutu and others who have celebrated me. I ask God to bless them and grant them their good heart desires,” she said.
She also urged workers, particularly young people, to remain committed to their duties, stressing that diligence and hard work would eventually be rewarded.
Bello had previously received recognition from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who honoured her with an IGP’s Award of Recognition and cash support in September for her outstanding service to the Nigeria Police Force.
Her retirement also attracted widespread public attention after residents and motorists in Abeokuta celebrated her final day in uniform, with members of the public praising her discipline, humility and professionalism.
