Residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, August 31, 2026, gathered to honour long-serving traffic warden Anifat Bello, popularly known as Aunty Anifa, during a community send-off.

The residents presented her with cash gifts, hugs and warm wishes as they celebrated her years of service directing traffic across the city.

Residents Celebrate Aunty Anifa

A video shared by The Nation newspaper and sourced from NigeriaStories shows community members gathered under a bridge believed to be close to Bello’s regular duty post.

Bello, dressed in her familiar orange uniform with the name tag “BELLO A.A.”, was surrounded by residents and colleagues who came to appreciate her work.

Some participants wore green uniforms, while others drummed and joined in the celebration. Bello appeared emotional at different points, clasping her hands in appreciation and exchanging greetings with the well-wishers.

A Familiar Face on Abeokuta Roads

Bello has become a familiar figure to residents through her years of directing traffic in Abeokuta.

Her commitment to the job had previously attracted public attention. In 2016, she reportedly gained recognition after an alleged assault by a police officer while she was on duty.

She was later praised for her dedication, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly recommending her for promotion.

Residents Show Appreciation

The latest ceremony reflected the relationship Bello had built with residents who regularly encountered her while she worked on the city’s roads.

The cash gifts, embraces and messages of appreciation were presented as gestures of gratitude for her service and professionalism.

It was not immediately clear whether the send-off marked Bello’s retirement, transfer or another change in her posting, as no official statement from the relevant traffic authorities had been released on the occasion.