The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship Candidate in Ogun State, Hajia ’Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured a retired traffic officer, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic (DST) Anifat Abiodun Bello, with a ₦500,000 cash gift for her years of dedicated service.
Sowunmi-Kolapo hosted a retirement reception for Bello, popularly known as Aunty Anifat, in Obantoko, Abeokuta, on Sunday, describing her commitment to duty and her conduct on the job as worthy of recognition.
Bello, who served with the Ogun State Police Command, became known among residents for her discipline, professionalism and friendly disposition while managing traffic on the streets of Abeokuta. Speaking at the reception, Sowunmi-Kolapo praised the retired officer for remaining committed to her duties throughout her years of service.
“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 while presenting the cheque.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also used the occasion to speak about the welfare of workers in Ogun State, promising that a government led by PDP governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu would place greater emphasis on workers’ welfare if elected in 2027.
“I want to assure our people in Ogun State that hardwork will pay and our civil servants will always smile home,” she said, adding that workers would be better rewarded under an Adebutu administration.
The event also attracted the wife of the PDP governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, Ogun PDP Chairman Dr Abayomi Tella, party leaders, religious leaders and members of Bello’s family.
Adebutu’s wife announced an additional ₦500,000 cash support for the retired officer and said Bello would have a place in the administration if her husband wins the 2027 election.
“I want to congratulate you. 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 described Bello’s service as selfless and thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception.
Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, also praised the retired officer, saying her dedication showed that good work could earn recognition even after leaving active service.
“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 PDP state secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, highlighted another quality for which Bello was reportedly known: her refusal to take bribes.
According to him, Bello stood out not only because of her cheerful nature but also because she treated road users with respect and did not use her position to extort money.
“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, you are very fantastic. Madam Anifat won’t take bribe from anyone. People like you are very rare,” Sodipo said.
Members of Bello’s family expressed appreciation to Sowunmi-Kolapo and the other guests for celebrating her years of service.
Her younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, described her as caring, accommodating, generous and jovial, while her daughter, Dorcas Olusegun, thanked the PDP deputy governorship candidate for putting the reception together.
“We really thank you, ma, for giving us a wonderful occasion to celebrate our mother. Your thoughtfulness and generosity made this possible. Your gesture means so much to our family and it will be indelible,” Olusegun said.
Bello, visibly pleased by the celebration, danced at the event as she expressed gratitude to Sowunmi-Kolapo, Mrs Adebutu and others who honoured 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 used the occasion to encourage workers, particularly young Nigerians, to remain committed to their responsibilities.
“Everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays,” she said.
Bello had earlier attracted public attention after a video of her final day in uniform circulated, showing Abeokuta residents celebrating her retirement. Members of the public who had become familiar with her discipline, humility and reported refusal to accept bribes presented her with cash gifts as she bowed out of active service.
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