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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hajia ’Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, Anifat Abiodun Bello, with a retirement reception and a ₦500,000 cheque in recognition of her dedication to duty.
The wife of the party’s governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, also announced ₦500,000 support for Bello at the reception in Obantoko, Abeokuta, where party leaders, religious leaders and family members celebrated the retired traffic warden’s service.
Bello, popularly known as Aunty Anifat, served with the Ogun State Police Command and earned public admiration for her cheerful disposition, discipline and commitment to traffic management.
Sowunmi-Kolapo described her “infectious commitment to duty” as worthy of emulation, urging security personnel and other workers to learn from her professionalism and resilience.
“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.
She also pledged that an administration led by the PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, would prioritise 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.
Mrs Adebutu said Bello’s cheerful approach to her work had left a lasting impression on her and other road users.
“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. You will be part of Adebutu’s government,” she said.
She thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception and praised Bello for her selfless service to the state.
Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, said the celebration demonstrated that diligence and service to others would eventually earn recognition.
“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,” he said.
The party’s state secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, praised Bello’s relationship with road users and said her refusal to take bribes distinguished her.
“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 bribes from anyone. People like you are very rare,” he said.
Bello’s younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, described her as caring, accommodating and generous.
“Aunty Anifat is accommodating and caring. She is generous to a fault, very nice and jovial,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, one of Bello’s daughters, Dorcas Olusegun, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception and Mrs Adebutu and other guests for their support.
“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,” she said.
Bello, who danced in appreciation of the honour, thanked the organisers and urged workers, particularly young Nigerians, to remain diligent.
“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.
“Everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays.”
A video of Bello’s last day in uniform had earlier shown Abeokuta residents celebrating her and presenting cash gifts in appreciation of her discipline, humility and refusal to take bribes.
