The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun for the 2027 election, Hajia ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo has described a retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, DST Anifat Bello, as “infectiously committed to duty.”
Sowunmi-Kolapo said this at a grand retirement reception held in her honour by the candidate on Monday in Abeokuta.
She commended the retired traffic warden, popularly known as Aunty Anifat, for her professionalism, discipline, resilience and dedication to traffic management during her years of service with the Ogun Police Command.
According to her, the honour marks the beginning of greater things to happen in the retired officer’s life, urging other security agents and indeed, all workers, to emulate Bello’s outstanding service to the Nigeria Police Force.
Sowunmi-Kolapo presented a cheque of N500,000 to the retired traffic officer.
“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.
She assured Ogun workers of rewarding welfare packages when the government of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate, comes on board in 2027, declaring that “hard work will pay.”
“I want to assure our people in Ogun State that hardwork 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,” the deputy governorship candidate said.
Other dignitaries at the reception ceremony included the wife of the Ogun governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu and the Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella.
Others are leaders of the party at various levels religious leaders in Egbaland. They all paid glowing tributes in appreciation of Mrs Bello’s diligent service.
Adebutu’s wife, while showering more encomiums on the retired officer, announced another N500,000 cash support for her, saying she would be part of the Adebutu administration once he is voted into power in 2027.
“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 the Adebutu’s government.
“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,” Mrs Adebutu said.
Also speaking, Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, said Mrs Bello’s selflessness and passion for other people were commendable and should be emulated by all.
“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 stated, thanking Sowunmi-Kolapo for celebrating the retired officer.
“I want to thank our deputy governor (Kolapo) 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,” Tella prayed.
Mrs Bello and her family members who graced the occasion could not hide their joy as they appreciated Sowunmi-Kolapo’s thoughtfulness and generosity.
They equally commended Mrs Adenike Adebutu for her kind gesture and thanked others for celebrating and supporting hard work, dedication and service.
Apparently overjoyed, Mrs Bello danced in appreciation to the honour and support accorded her by the PDP leaders in Ogun State.
She tasked all categories of workers on diligence saying “everyone should do their jobs well, especially our youths; they must know that hard work pays.”
It would be recalled that a viral video clip showed Abeokuta residents celebrating Mrs Bello on her last day in office. (NAN)