The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Hajia ’Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, and the wife of the party’s governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, have rewarded a recently retired police traffic officer, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic Anifat Bello, with N1m for her dedication to duty.
Sowunmi-Kolapo and Adebutu’s wife each donated N500,000 to Bello, popularly known as Aunty Anifat, during a reception and dinner organised by the PDP deputy governorship candidate in her honour at Obantoko, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
Sowunmi-Kolapo praised Bello for her professionalism, discipline, resilience and commitment to traffic management during her years of service with the Ogun State Police Command.
Describing Bello’s dedication as rare and worthy of emulation, the PDP chieftain said the retired officer had become a role model for younger Nigerians.
While presenting her N500,000 cheque, Sowunmi-Kolapo said the gesture marked the beginning of greater things in Bello’s life.
“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 told Bello.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also promised that workers in Ogun State would enjoy better welfare if the PDP candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, wins the 2027 governorship election.
She said the party would ensure that workers received adequate rewards for their efforts.
“I want to assure our people in Ogun State that hard work will pay and our civil servants will always smile at home. 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,” she said.
The wife of the PDP governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu, later announced an additional N500,000 for Bello, bringing the total cash gift to N1m.
Adebutu, who recalled seeing Bello regularly while directing traffic, said her ever-smiling disposition despite the demands of her job made a lasting impression on her.
She also promised that Bello would have a place in the Adebutu administration if the PDP 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? You will be part of Adebutu’s government,” she said.
Adebutu also commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception and praised Bello for her selfless service to Ogun State.
“I want to thank our deputy governor (Sowunmi-Kolapo) for putting this reception ceremony together. Many people know you, and they see what you do. God will continue to honour you. I thank you for your selfless service to Ogun,” she added.
The Ogun State PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, also praised Bello, describing her selflessness and passion for serving others as qualities worthy of emulation.
Tella said Bello’s dedication had earned her public recognition and commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for honouring the retired officer.
“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. I want to thank our deputy governorship candidate because this is extraordinary. Because of who you are, you have decided to honour this woman. God’s blessings will never cease in your home,” he said.
Similarly, the Ogun PDP Secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, highlighted Bello’s cheerful disposition and integrity, particularly her refusal to take bribes while performing her duties.
“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,” Sodipo said.
Religious leaders, PDP members and other dignitaries at the event also paid glowing tributes to Bello for her years of diligent service.
Her younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, described her as an accommodating, caring and generous woman.
“Aunty Anifat is accommodating and caring. She is generous to a fault, very nice and jovial,” he said.
Bello’s family members expressed appreciation for the recognition and financial support, with her daughter, Dorcas Olusegun, thanking Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the ceremony.
In her vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Olusegun said the gesture had created a memorable occasion for them.
“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, visibly delighted by the honour, danced during the ceremony before thanking the PDP leaders and others who celebrated 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 hearts’ desires,” she said.
The retired traffic officer also used the occasion to encourage workers, particularly youths, to remain committed to their duties.
“Everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays,” Bello advised.
Bello recently attracted widespread attention after a video showing residents celebrating her final day in uniform in Abeokuta went viral.
The retired officer has also received recognition from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, and the Accord Party for her diligence and dedication to duty.
