From Hospital Ward to Global Influence: UK-Based Nigerian Nurse Bemi Orojuogun Nominated for TikTok Award
Fellow Nurses Africa, Lagos Nigeria— October 19, 2025
Bemi Orojuogun, a 56-year-old Nigerian-born mental health nurse based in London, has earned a prestigious nomination for Video of the Year at the TikTok Awards UK & Ireland 2025. Known to millions as “Bus Aunty,” Orojuogun’s heartwarming videos—featuring her radiant smile alongside London’s iconic red double-decker buses—have transformed her from a dedicated healthcare professional into a global social media sensation, celebrating joy, culture, and community.
A Nurse’s Journey to Viral Stardom
Orojuogun, who immigrated to the United Kingdom over three decades ago, has seamlessly balanced her demanding role as a mental health nurse with an unexpected rise to digital fame. Her TikTok journey began as a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, whom she met on a London bus. With vibrant headscarves, dangly earrings, and an infectious grin, her wordless clips capture the simple beauty of the city’s buses passing by. A March 2025 video, set to Take That’s “Back for Good,” skyrocketed to over 48 million views, propelling her to nearly 300,000 followers and 22 million likes on her TikTok handle, @omo.oroje.
Her nominated video, a quintessential “Bus Aunty” moment, embodies her knack for turning everyday commutes into celebrations of resilience and positivity. Competing alongside creators like @justsammorris and @josephmachines, Orojuogun’s nomination for the October 29, 2025, ceremony in London highlights her remarkable influence. Fans can vote now by searching “TikTok Awards” in the TikTok app, rallying to support this nurse’s extraordinary impact.
Bridging Healthcare and Cultural Resonance
Orojuogun’s content strikes a chord with the African diaspora and global audiences, evoking the warmth of a beloved “aunty” figure. Her videos subtly promote mental health, reflecting her professional ethos through unfiltered joy. “Bemi represents the unsung strength of Black women in healthcare and beyond,” said Adaeze Eze, a London-based cultural commentator.
“Her work is a love letter to community, culture, and everyday heroes like bus drivers.”
Her authenticity has transcended TikTok, earning her high-profile collaborations. In August 2025, Orojuogun starred in Burberry’s “Back to the City” campaign alongside models and musicians, embodying London’s dynamic spirit. She has also featured in an IKEA advertisement and a promotional video with Mayor Sadiq Khan, spotlighting the city’s zero-emission buses. Collaborations with artists like Tems and fellow TikTokers further cement her status as a cross-cultural icon.
Inspiring Nurses and Beyond
For the nursing community, Orojuogun’s nomination is a powerful testament to the profession’s far-reaching impact. Her ability to juggle 12-hour hospital shifts with content creation inspires healthcare professionals across Africa and the diaspora.
“Bemi shows us that nurses can be storytellers, influencers, and cultural ambassadors,”
said Dr. Ngozi Okeke, a spokesperson for Fellow Nurses Africa. “Her joy is a healing force, both in hospitals and online.”
As the TikTok Awards approach, Orojuogun’s story underscores the transformative power of authenticity in the digital age. Her journey from a Nigerian nurse to a global influencer invites the world to find beauty in the everyday—whether on a bustling London street or a quiet hospital ward.
Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa
