By Jimoh Babatunde

ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2027 election, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured a retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, DST, Mrs Anifat Abiodun Bello, for her dedication and integrity in public service.

Sowunmi-Kolapo hosted a retirement reception for Bello, popularly known as Aunty Anifat, at Obantoko, Abeokuta, where she commended the retired traffic officer for her professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty during her years with the Ogun State Police Command.

At the event, Sowunmi-Kolapo presented Bello with a N500,000 cheque, describing the gesture as a token of appreciation for her “infectious commitment to duty.”

She said Bello’s conduct throughout her career had made her a role model for younger Nigerians and urged other public servants to emulate her dedication.

“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 said the PDP administration being proposed by its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, would prioritise workers’ welfare 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.

She added that the party would address what she described as the hardship experienced by workers in the state.

Also speaking, Adebutu’s wife, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, announced an additional N500,000 cash gift for Bello.

Adebutu praised the retired traffic officer for maintaining a cheerful disposition while performing her duties, saying she had encountered her several times directing traffic in Abeokuta.

“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.

The Ogun PDP chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, described Bello’s service and selflessness as worthy of emulation, while commending Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception.

Similarly, the party’s state secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, praised Bello for her conduct while managing traffic, particularly her alleged refusal to accept bribes.

“What is very unique about her is that she is always happy, saluting and greeting people; not frowning or transferring aggression to road users. Madam Anifat won’t take bribe from anyone. People like you are very rare,” Sodipo said.

Members of Bello’s family also expressed appreciation to Sowunmi-Kolapo and other PDP leaders for honouring the retired officer.

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 elated by the recognition, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo, Mrs Adebutu and others for celebrating her.

“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 youths, to remain committed to their duties, stressing that diligence and hard work would eventually be rewarded.

The retired officer had recently attracted public attention after a video of her final day in uniform circulated online, with residents reportedly celebrating her and presenting her with cash gifts in appreciation of her years of service.