The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election, Hajia ’Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured a retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, DST Anifat Abiodun Bello, popularly known as “Aunty Anifat,” for her years of dedicated service and commitment to duty.
Sowunmi-Kolapo hosted a retirement reception for Bello in Obantoko, Abeokuta, on Sunday, where she presented the retired traffic officer with a N500,000 cash gift in recognition of her service with the Ogun State Police Command. The event was attended by the wife of the PDP governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, Ogun PDP Chairman Dr Abayomi Tella, party leaders, religious figures, family members and other guests. (SilverbirdTV)
Sowunmi-Kolapo praised Bello for her professionalism, discipline, resilience and dedication to traffic management, describing her commitment to duty as “infectious” and worthy of emulation.
Presenting the N500,000 cheque, she described Bello as a role model for younger Nigerians 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.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate also used the occasion to speak about workers’ welfare, promising that a PDP administration led by governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu would prioritise the welfare of workers in Ogun State if elected in 2027.
“I want to assure our people in Ogun State that hard work will pay and our civil servants will always smile home,” she said, adding that her party would seek to address what she described as the suffering experienced by workers in the state.
The wife of the PDP governorship candidate, Adenike Adebutu, also announced an additional N500,000 cash support for Bello, bringing the total financial gift presented to the retired officer at the event to N1 million. (Vanguard News)
Adebutu said she had encountered Bello several times while the retired officer was performing her traffic duties and recalled being impressed by her cheerful disposition and courtesy toward road users.
“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?” Adebutu said.
She also told Bello that she would be considered for a role in an Adebutu administration if the PDP wins the 2027 governorship election, a statement made in the context of the party’s political campaign.
Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, described Bello’s dedication and selflessness as qualities worthy of emulation. He also commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the retirement reception.
The party’s state secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, similarly praised Bello’s conduct while on duty, particularly her cheerful disposition and what he described as her refusal to accept bribes.
“Madam Anifat won’t take bribe from anyone. People like you are very rare,” Sodipo said, while urging other public servants to learn from her example. (SilverbirdTV)
Members of Bello’s family expressed appreciation to Sowunmi-Kolapo, Adebutu and the other guests for celebrating her years of service.
Her younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, described Bello as accommodating, caring, generous and jovial, while her daughter, Dorcas Olusegun, thanked the organisers for giving the family an opportunity to celebrate their mother.
An emotional Bello later danced at the event in appreciation of the honour and financial support.
“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.
The retired traffic officer also used the occasion to encourage workers, particularly young Nigerians, to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities.
“Everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays,” she said.
Bello’s retirement had previously attracted public attention after a video showing residents celebrating her on her final day in uniform circulated widely. Reports said members of the public who had encountered her during her years of traffic duty also presented her with cash gifts in recognition of her service. (breezynewsnigeria.com)
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