By Francis Ajuonuma
The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Hajia ’Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured a retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, DST Anifat Abiodun Bello, for her discipline, integrity and commitment to duty.
Sowunmi-Kolapo hosted a retirement reception for Bello, popularly known as Aunty Anifat, in Obantoko, Abeokuta, on Sunday, describing her years of service with the Ogun State Police Command as worthy of emulation.
At the event attended by PDP leaders, family members, religious leaders and other dignitaries, Sowunmi-Kolapo presented Bello with a cheque of N500,000 in recognition of what she described as her “infectious commitment to duty.”
“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,” she said.
She added that the gesture marked “the beginning of greater things to come” for the retired officer.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also promised Ogun workers improved welfare if the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, wins the 2027 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.
“When we come on board, the suffering they have put us through in Ogun for the past eight years will be a thing of the past.”
Adebutu’s wife, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, who attended the reception, announced an additional N500,000 for Bello and said she would be considered for a role in an Adebutu administration if the PDP wins in 2027.
“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.
Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, described Bello’s recognition as evidence that genuine service would eventually be appreciated.
“Mama Bello has proven to all of us that there is nothing you do that won’t be appreciated. You are now in the news positively because of your good work,” Tella said.
The party’s secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, praised Bello for her integrity, particularly her refusal to accept bribes.
“Madam Anifat won’t take bribe from anyone. People like you are very rare,” he said.
Bello, who danced in appreciation of the honour, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo, Adebutu and other guests 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,” she said.
She urged workers, particularly youths, to remain diligent, stressing: “Everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays.”
