….Sowunmi-Kolapo gives retired officer N500,000; Adebutu’s wife adds another N500,000
Daud Olatunji
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election, Hajia ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has honoured a retired traffic officer, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, DST Anifat Abiodun Bello, with a N500,000 cash gift for her years of dedicated and corruption-free service.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, who described the retired officer, popularly known as “Aunty Anifat,” as a role model for younger Nigerians, hosted a grand retirement reception for her in Obantoko, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
The event attracted the wife of the PDP governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu; the state party chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella; party leaders, religious figures and members of Bello’s family.
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.
Presenting the N500,000 cheque to the retired officer, she said the gesture was in recognition of her “infectious commitment to duty,” urging other security personnel and public servants to emulate her.
She said, “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.”
The PDP candidate also used the occasion to promise improved welfare for workers in Ogun State if the party wins the 2027 governorship election.
She said an administration led by the party’s governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, would prioritise workers’ welfare and ensure that hard work was adequately rewarded.
“I want to assure our people in Ogun State that hard work will pay and our civil servants will always smile 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, Adenike Adebutu, who also praised Bello’s conduct on the roads, announced an additional N500,000 cash support for the retired officer.
Adebutu said she had frequently encountered Bello while she was on traffic duty and was impressed by her ability to remain cheerful and courteous despite the pressures associated with the job.
“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 told the retired officer.
Adebutu also commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception, saying the gesture demonstrated recognition of the contributions of ordinary public servants.
The Ogun PDP chairman, Tella, described Bello’s selflessness and passion for service as worthy of emulation.
“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.
He also praised Sowunmi-Kolapo for celebrating the retired officer, describing the gesture as extraordinary.
The state PDP secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, particularly highlighted Bello’s alleged refusal to accept bribes while performing her traffic duties.
According to him, Bello stood out not only because of her ever-smiling disposition but also because she reportedly maintained integrity in the discharge of her responsibilities.
“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.
Bello’s family members expressed appreciation for the honour, describing Sowunmi-Kolapo’s gesture as unexpected and memorable.
Her younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, described her as accommodating, caring, generous and jovial.
In her vote of thanks on behalf of the family, one of Bello’s daughters, Dorcas Olusegun, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo, Adebutu’s wife and other PDP leaders for celebrating her mother.
She said the gesture had created an unforgettable moment for the family.
“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.
An elated Bello later danced at the event in appreciation of the honour and financial support.
“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.
The retired traffic officer also called on workers, particularly young Nigerians, to embrace diligence and integrity, saying hard work remained a pathway to recognition and success.
“Everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays,” she said.
Bello’s retirement had earlier attracted widespread public attention after a video of her final day in uniform showed Abeokuta residents celebrating her.
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