Why I have been controlling for 25 years – Benin volunteer
Bonaventure Anyanwu is one of the few Nigerians who still believe in selfless service to their fatherland.
Bonaventure Anyanwu on duty
Bonaventure Anyanwu is one of the few Nigerians who still believe in selfless service to their fatherland.
The 45-year-old man, who has been controlling traffic in Benin roads in the last 25 years, told Niger Delta Trust that the desire to ease sufferings experienced by road users pushed him to start controlling traffic.
As early as 7am Mr. Anyanwu is at the Ramat Square controlling traffic on the ever busy road so as to put smiles on the road users who hitherto spent hours on the spot due to traffic congestion.
“I am not been paid for this job, I am doing it out of my desire for free flow of traffic on the road.
“By 6am, I am out of my house to do my job of traffic controller. On January 15, 2021, I would be 26 years on this road controlling traffic
“I am a professional driver and I discovered that the traffic situation in Benin, especially Ramat square is chaotic, while drivers are not willing to obey traffic and God sent me here because I know how to handle them,”.
Ayanwu, who has spent over two decades controlling traffic, said he has not been recognised by various state governments, either financially or otherwise, since he has been doing the job.
“Since I have been doing this work no governor in the state has ever called to say thank you or even offer me reward for the good work I am doing.
“I started the traffic work from third junction long ago. I moved from there to Sapele road, Aduwawa, Orora and now I am permanent at the Ramat park where the traffic congestion is on a daily basis in the last 12 years.”
“I am happy and consoled that some individuals have recognised my efforts in making the road safe for them.”
He said though he is not being paid for the job, some good-spirited individuals who see the good work he is doing do give him money.
Mr. Anyanwu who hails from Imo state, added that he has been taking care of his family with whatever that reaches his hand.
On how he is taking care of his family, he said “God has been very faithful to me and as I am talking to you now, I have three graduates out of the five children God gave me.
“Some people like Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi and the Onogie of Eyaen have been very helpful to me. They gave me a plot of land. They and other good Nigerians give me the courage to continue the good work.
“My work on the road starts as early as 7am and stops at about 12 when there is less traffic, and I come back by 4pm when there is much traffic again,”.
He said the challenge on the job is some motorists do make jest of him, saying who send you, adding “despite that I am on the road in the rain and in the sun controlling traffic due to encouragement from other road users.
“So on a daily basis, I make sure that people go to work without traffic hitches in the morning and return without hitches,”.
Mr Anyanwu, who has won several awards for his selfless service, lamented “ I have won several awards but without money.”
On appealing to the government, he said he is not to decide for the government the same way he is not deciding for individuals who appreciate his good job.
Some of the drivers who spoke on the development however commended Mr. Anyanwu for the selfless work he is doing on the road, describing him as God-sent to ease traffic on the road.