Former Nollywood actress Grace Bassey, known previously as Belinda Effah, has officially begun a new chapter in her life after completing training with the United States Navy and becoming a U.S. citizen.
Bassey, who gained fame in Nigeria’s movie industry under her former name, recently shared her accomplishment through social media, posting a photo of herself proudly wearing her U.S. Navy uniform. Alongside the image, she expressed deep appreciation to God, her family, and those who have supported her through the journey.
“Last week, I graduated from U.S. Navy boot camp as a Sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States,” she wrote in the caption. “Nigeria raised me, America challenged me, and I stand today stronger and more determined than ever.”
She also paid tribute to her late father, stating, “This is just the beginning. In honour of my late father – Naval Cdr. Asido Bassey Effah.”
The 33-year-old actress’s decision to join the U.S. military marks a striking transformation from her previous life as a film star in Nigeria. Before stepping away from Nollywood, she featured in several popular films and was a well-known figure in the entertainment scene.
In earlier interviews, Bassey explained that her decision to change her name from Belinda to Grace was not random. She revealed that it followed a personal spiritual experience that deeply moved her.
“God changed my name to Grace after a divine encounter,” she said.
She further noted that although her name had changed, her principles remained intact. “It reflects a personal rebranding, but not a change in her core values or identity,” she added.
