On Monday, Grace Bassey, who you might remember as Nollywood actress Belinda Effah, surprised everyone with big news on Instagram. She shared that she joined the U.S. Navy, became a U.S. citizen, and just graduated from Navy Boot Camp!

In her own words:

“First, all glory to God. Last week, I graduated from the U.S. Navy Boot Camp as a sailor and took the oath as a citizen of the United States.”

Nigeria Raised Her. 

Born and raised in Nigeria, Grace first came to prominence through Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry. Her performances captured the hearts of many as she featured in popular Nollywood productions  like Tinsel, Bambitious, Shallow waters and a lot more. 

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However, her dreams extended beyond acting. She moved to the United States and began pursuing her dream of becoming a sailor. She had to enlist in the U.S. Navy. She summed it up in her post: ‘Nigeria raised me. America challenged me. I stand today stronger and more determined than ever.’

Becoming a sailor was not just a dream- it was carrying on a legacy. In her words “ In honor of my late father– Naval CDR Asido Bassey Effah”. 

 She did not do it just for herself. Grace decided to step into the shoes of her late father, this time on international soil. 

 Leaving behind a successful acting career to embrace the rigors of boot camp requires extraordinary courage. From memorizing scripts to learning drills, the transition demanded mental strength, physical endurance, and an unwavering belief in her purpose.

Conclusion.

Whether she continues in the Navy, explores public service, or even returns to the arts, one thing is clear: Grace Bassey is a force to be reckoned with. A woman of faith, courage, and deep conviction, she’s shown us all that you can change paths without losing direction.

To Grace Charis Bassey, congratulations.

Joy Mojisola Raimi, who was crowned Miss World Nigeria in April 2025, is now in India for the 72nd edition of the Miss World competition. The international pageant is taking place in Hyderabad, and Joy is representing Nigeria among over 140 contestants from around the world.

Joy Mojisola Raimi displaying her Nigerian culture

Joy hails from Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State but was raised in Rivers State. She studied International Relations at the University of Port Harcourt. Outside of pageantry, she’s a professional model and actress with interests in dancing, traveling, reading, and music.

More details from Joy’s dress

Pageant Journey So Far

Her journey in pageantry didn’t start today. In 2021, she won the Miss Port Harcourt City International crown. A year later, she was crowned Miss Intercontinental Nigeria 2022 and went on to represent Nigeria at the 50th Miss Intercontinental Pageant in Egypt, where she won the title of Miss Intercontinental Africa, becoming the second Nigerian to do so since Bianca Ojukwu in 1989.

Joy Mojisola stunning in red

Miss World Nigeria 2025 Event

At the Miss World Nigeria 2025 competition, contestants showcased their elegance in multiple categories including traditional wear, sportswear, and evening gowns. From the initial 37 contestants, the field was narrowed down to 20, and later to five finalists representing Imo, Ebonyi, Abuja, Abia, and Osun. During the final Q&A round, Joy spoke about personal challenges she faced growing up, particularly the absence of her mother and the lack of support from a caregiver. Her honesty and articulation impressed the judges and audience alike.

Joy in her Yoruba cultural outfit

She was crowned by Guy Murray-Bruce, Chief Operating Officer of the Silverbird Group, who commended her for her clarity, intelligence, and leadership qualities.

Joy Mojisola Raimi

What’s Next – Miss World 2025 in India

As the reigning Miss World Nigeria, Joy Raimi will represent the country at the 72nd Miss World pageant set to hold from May 7 to May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. 

More details of the cultural outfit worn by Miss Joy Raimi

Joy is also the founder of “The Love for Humanity” project, a personal initiative that supports underserved communities. She is particularly passionate about issues affecting women and girls, with a focus on ending period poverty and providing aid to those in need.

With her crown, Joy carries the flag for Nigeria into the international spotlight, ready to show the world what she stands for.

The 11th edition of the AMVCA took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos ,on May 10, 2025. Organised by Multichoice, It was an eventful show as big names in the entertainment industry converged to honour their own. Here are the biggest winners of the ceremony.

Best Cinematography Nominees

• • Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land) — Onasis Gaisie, Michael Sefa, and Apagnawen Annankra
  • Skeleton Coast — Wesley Johnston
  • Lisabi: The Uprising — Barnabas Emordi and Nora Awolowo
  • Soft Love — Ebrahim Hajee
  • Agemo — Papama Tangela
  • Inkabi — Chuanne Blofield

• The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos — Leo Purman (Winner)

Best Digital Content Creator 

• • Jide ‘Pounds’ Ibitoye (Jide Pounds)
  • Dorcas Ariyiike Owolagba (Ariyike Dimples)
  • Elozonam
  • Maryam Apaokagi (Taaooma).

• Iyo Prosper Adokiye (We Listen, We Don’t Judge, Bible Edition) Winner

Best Score/Music

• • Freedom Way — Ahuurra Andrew, Kehinde ‘Louddaaa’ Alabi, and Cobhams Asuquo
  • Skeleton Coast — Chris Letcher
  • Soft Love — Kolade Morankinyo (MPSE) and Efa Iwara (Love and Hate)
  • Inkabi — Seoli Bongani Mashaba

• Seven Doors — Tolu Obanro(TYANX) – Winner

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Best Unscripted Mnet Original

• • Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia)
  • Overall Best, Husband Material, The Queens of Kopala.
• Nigerian Idol – Winner

Best Supporting Actress

• • Meg Otanwa (Inside Life)
  • Tina Mba (Suspicion)
  • Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love)
  • Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast)
  • Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3)
  • Darasimi Nadi (Aburo)

• Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride – Winner)

Best Supporting Actor

• • Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi)
  • Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors)
  • Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way)
  • RMD (Christmas in Lagos)
  • Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion)
  • Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa)

• Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life) – Winner

Trailblazer

Kayode Kasum — Winner

Industry Merit

• Nkem Owoh
• Sani Mu’azu

Best Lead Actor

• • Femi Branch – House of Ga’a
  • Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo
  • Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising
  • Stan Nze – Suspicion
  • Bucci Franklin – The Weekend
  • Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill
  • Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast

• Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors – Winner

Best Actress

• • Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
  • Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3
  • GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride
  • Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
  • Uche Montana – Thinline

• Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors Winner

Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film

• • Grown
  • Somewhere in Kole
  • Full-Time Husband
  • The 11th Commandment
  • Mfumukazi

• Her Dark Past (Olamide Glover) Winner

Best Series Unscripted

• • Style Magnate
  • Ebuka Turns Up Africa
  • Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine
  • Skillers (The Builders Show)

• Wa Milele? (Forever) — Winner

Best Series Scripted

• • Seven Doors
  • Cheta’M
  • Roses & Ivy
  • Princess On A Hill

• Clarence Peters’ Inside Life — Winner

Best Director

• • Norman Maake – Inkabi
  • Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a
  • Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors
  • Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast
  • Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend

• Awam Amkpa – The Man Died — Winner

Best Movie

• • Lisabi: The Uprising
  • Suspicion
  • Inkabi
  • Christmas in Lagos
  • Farmer’s Bride
  • House of Ga’a
  • Skeleton Coast

• Freedom Way — Winner

Best Short Film

• • Sukari
  • In Bloom: ‘Afefe’
  • What Are You Really Afraid Of?
  • The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi

• Brukaci — Winner

Final Thoughts

The AMVCA awards were a colourful event that had big influencers, actors, and big shots in the African movie industry. There were brilliant performances from emerging and known talents, and the show fulfilled all expectations.