Why these Nigerian celebrities are trading fame for the U.S. military

Nigerians are globally recognized for their adventurous spirit and relentless pursuit of better opportunities, particularly in developed nations.

This same drive extends to the entertainment industry, where even established celebrities are not hesitating to pivot their careers in pursuit of more stability, purpose, and financial security abroad.

A growing number of Nigerian celebrities—including actresses, beauty queens, and reality stars—have made headlines for a surprising shift: enlisting in the U.S. military. Here are three notable figures who’ve proudly embraced military service as their next chapter.

Princess Chineke: “This I will defend, so help me God”

On Monday, May 19, former beauty queen and Nollywood actress Princess Chineke made waves when she publicly confirmed her enlistment in the U.S. Army. Having moved to the United States a few years ago to “further [her] education and acquire more skills,” Chineke eventually found her calling in military service.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote:

“I’m an American soldier, I’m a member of a team, we are the Army and proud of our name. I answered the call of service to my country, to serve the people of United States of America. This I will defend, so help me God. God bless America.”

In a 2023 interview with Vanguard, she emphasized that her journey to the U.S. was initially academic but evolved into a deeper calling. Known for her performances in Nollywood titles like To Love A Sister, Stormy Hearts, and Masters At War, Chineke’s transition to the military marks a powerful reinvention of her career path.

Mayowa Dosu: “Oops!! What a journey”

On Wednesday, May 21, actress and producer Mayowa Dosu also announced her transition from Nollywood to the U.S. Army, becoming another familiar face now wearing a military uniform.

Dosu, who launched her acting career in 2005 with the film Fears, shared the news with followers on Instagram:

“I am an American Soldier, I am [a] warrior and a member of a team, I serve the people of the United State and live the army values…..!

Oops!! what a journey 😌😌

Who miss me ?? Sorry I was busy being an American soldier 😎😎😎”

Her filmography includes projects like Mamami, Mojere, Compromise, Pawon Strippers, Lastlaugh, and Valentino. For Dosu, the move represents not just a personal transformation, but a bold step away from the spotlight toward national service.

Grace Charis Bassey (formerly Belinda Effah): “Nigeria raised me, America challenged me”

On Saturday, May 17, former Nollywood star Grace Charis Bassey—who previously acted under the name Belinda Effah—revealed that she had officially graduated from U.S. Navy boot camp and had taken the oath of U.S. citizenship.

In a proud social media announcement, she wrote:

“Last week, I graduated from U.S. Navy boot camp as a Sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States.

Nigeria raised me, America challenged me, and I stand today stronger and more determined than ever.

Thank you to everyone who believed in me. This is just the beginning. In honour of my late father – Naval Cdr. Asido Bassey Effah.”

Bassey’s entry into the U.S. Navy is especially poignant, given her father’s legacy in the Nigerian Navy. Her decision to enlist was both personal and symbolic—an act of continuation and tribute.

She also made headlines for her name change, explaining that “Belinda,” which means “beautiful serpent,” no longer resonated with her spiritual path. After what she described as a divine encounter, she adopted the name Grace Charis Bassey:

“God changed my name to Grace after a divine encounter.”

Despite the rebranding, she emphasized that her core identity and values remain intact.