•Says Adebutu's govt'll prioritise workers' welfare

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Hajia 'Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, on Sunday, held a grand retirement reception in honour of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, DST Anifat Abiodun Bello, describing her "infectious commitment to duty," as rare and worthy of emulation.

At the dinner, held in Obantoko, Abeokuta, Sowunmi-Kolapo 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 State Police Command.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate said the honour was 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.

"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 the retired traffic officer while presenting a cheque of N500,000 to her.

She assured workers in Ogun State of rewarding welfare packages once the government of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate, comes on board next year, declaring that "hardwork 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 promised.

Other dignitaries at the reception ceremony, including the wife of the Ogun governorship candidate, Yeye Adenike Adebutu; Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella; leaders of the party at various levels, and religious leaders in Egbaland, among others, 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 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.

For Alhaji Semiu Sodipo, Ogun PDP Secretary, aside from Mrs Bello's ever-smiling posture and diligence, she never indulged in bribe-taking, an attribute that he said other public servants should take a cue from.

"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.

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 hardwork, dedication and service.

While praising the retired officer's life of passionate service, her younger brother, Nunasu Jacob, said, "Aunty Anifat is accommodating and caring. She is generous to a fault, very nice and jovial."

In her vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Dorcas Olusegun, one of Mrs Bello's daughters, commended Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo for organising the reception ceremony, thanking her and others who supported and honoured her mother.

Turning to Adebutu's running mate, she said, "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."

Apparently overjoyed, Mrs Bello danced in appreciation to the honour and support accorded her by the PDP leaders in Ogun State.

"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 prayed.

Mrs Bello seized the opportunity to advocate for diligence among all categories of workers, saying, "everyone should do their job well. Our youths, especially, must know that hard work pays."

Recall that a video clip had shown Mrs Bello on her last day in uniform being celebrated by Abeokuta residents.

Members of the public who attested to her discipline, humility and no-bribes principle, refused to let her go quietly, showering her with cash gifts.

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