Popular Nigerian actress Grace Charis Bassey, formerly known as Belinda Effah, has announced her graduation from the U.S. Navy boot camp and her oath-taking as a citizen of the United States.
The 33-year-old, who left Nollywood to follow a new direction in life, shared the news on her verified Instagram page on Sunday, May 18, expressing deep gratitude to God for the milestone.
In her words: “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. I stand today stronger and more determined than ever. Thank you to everyone who believed in me. This is just the beginning. In Honor of my Late Father – Naval CDR Asido Bassey Effah.”
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Back in 2021, the actress made headlines when she revealed she had changed her name from Belinda Effah to Grace Charis Bassey, saying the decision was inspired by a spiritual encounter.
Her words: “I had to change my name and the only thing that can make me change my name will be the most supreme being which is God. A lot of people will not understand that. So I don’t bother to explain to people when they ask me why. On the 15th of August last year. I had a divine encounter with God to change my name to Grace. Nobody changed my name, God did.”
Continuing, she said, “So after my encounter with God, I called my parents and told them not to call me Belinda anymore. The interesting part is that my mom said she named me Grace at birth.”
