Sergeant Abiodun Oguntade, the traffic police officer (female) regulating flow of vehicular movement along Ikorodu roads, who had been featured by this newspaper before for her dexterity, efficiency and untiring commitment to duty has once again confirmed that she is a police woman with a difference as she has been honoured by yet another group of observers.
Sgt. Abiodun who is presently operating along the Sabo market/Ilepo Oba axis remains a delight to watch at work as motorists often spend time admiring this lady as she effortlessly directs traffic in a smooth manner. For as many as ten (10) hours daily she stands up at that strategic junction to direct/control traffic flow, many times up to night time.
She takes delight in her work without waiting for anyone to bribe her or offer her tips (incentives) unlike some LASTMA and civil defence personnel who directly and indirectly ask for money from drivers.
Unknown to this police woman, different individuals, groups, organisations and even NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organisations) had been watching her performance and her tireless efforts daily.
One of the latest groups to recognize and appreciates Abiodun’s efforts Lions Club, Ikorodu which recently bestowed on Abiodun Unique Character Award to add to the laurels she had so far bagged.
Speaking during the event, which took place at the Ayangbure Palace, Ikorodu, the past Region Chairman of the Lion’s Club, Lion Prince Tunji Oredepe, who is currently the District Director of the Club, had this to say about the Awardee.
“There are many Police Officers with penchant for misconduct, who stop vehicles and collect money illegally, but the Awardee, in the person of Sergeant Oguntade Abiodun, is a unique character. She does her work diligently without asking for bribes. This unique character and diligence inspired the Lion’s club to give her an award.”
“My advise to other police officers is to emulate her because she gets compensations willingly from people, who appreciate her more than her colleagues, who extort money from innocent people. One of the reasons the Lion’s Club selected her was also to set an example that hardwork pays,” he stated.
Also, attesting to Sergeant Oguntade’s diligence, Mrs. Fagbemi Adedolapo, a Traffic Enforcement Superintendent assigned to Ikorodu Division Zone Eight said, “I am here to support the awardee and rejoice with her because she is a co-worker and we have been working together for long, depending on the shift. She is very hard working and dedicated to her job. She is someone I always like to work with. I advise her not to relent because when some people receive an award like this, it gets into their heads, but I know she is not like that.”
The first son of the awardee, Michael Oluwasegun Julius, a student of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, was not left out as he described his mother as an asset and a loyal person, who loves associating with people.
While speaking with Oriwu Sun reporters, Sergeant Oguntade Abiodun said, “I am very delighted and overjoyed to receive this award. I am not the only Police Officer around but I was singled out for this award. I am not a member of the Lion’s Club; I just received a letter from the Club informing me that I was to be given an award. This is the sixth award I am receiving in this profession; I pray by the grace of God to receive more.”
“Some of my past awards include those of Man-O-War, Mainland division, 2006 and 2007; Rotary Club award, given the same year, and Lady Bird School in Gbagada. I have also received awards from corporate and religious bodies. I remember that I once received an award from an Islamic Group led by Sheik Yahya Oshoala under Samadani, making my award five. The one I’m receiving today in Ikorodu is my sixth award,” she revealed.
In her response on the challenges she faces as a police officer, she stated that some officers would rather backbite and discourage her out of envy than commend and encourage. However, her solace is the fact that those who encourage her are in the majority.
Explaining the nature of her job, the officer said it is not easy to stand daily under the sun. According to her, sometimes some people hurl abusive words at her while others go to the extent of throwing sachet water at her. She said she had no option than to endure and persevere under this kind of situation. According to her, this attitude has kept her going.
Sergeant Oguntade, therefore, dedicated her award to God and her late husband, whom she lost two years ago, and to all the people who have been encouraging her. She advised her colleagues to continue to do their work diligently.