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7 Nollywood Stars Who Became US Citizens

A number of Nollywood celebrities have relocated to other countries and become citizens of those countries (by naturalisation).

A naturalised citizen of a country is someone who has legally become a citizen of that country despite not being born there. Naturalization may occur automatically as a result of a statute, requiring no effort on the part of the individual, or it may involve an application or motion and approval by legal authorities.

Uche Jumbo, an actress, announced a few months ago that she had become a US citizen.

Amid the scarcity of fuel and naira notes in the country, as well as an increase in the number of Nigerians ‘japaing’ to other countries, it was the ideal time for the comic star, Osinachi Dikeh, popularly known as ‘Apama’ Egbeigwe, to announce his dual citizenship, as he took to his Facebook page to inform his fans and followers that he may never return to Nigeria given the new development.

He obliged them to join him in thanking God for granting him his blue passport, which he noted was not easy to obtain.

Flaunting his US passport he held side-by-side with his Nigerian passport, the funny man said: “So brethren help me thank God. It has not been an easy thing.

“I will be leaving my family; my wife should take care of the children. I have tried my wife should take care of my kids.

“I have tried. I need to leave. I need to go and make money. I might not even come back.

“In fact, anywhere you see me in Owerri or in Nigeria collect money from me cause I am no longer around. Let me go and enjoy myself”.

Below are other Nollywood stars that were also naturalised to become citizens of the United States of America.

Regina Asakia-Williams

The US-based nurse was born in Lagos on December 16, 1967.

Askia-Williams’ first acting role was as gold-digger Tokunbo Johnson in the Nigerian soap opera “Fortunes” (later Mega Fortunes) on NTA Network in 1993, a role that earned her critical acclaim and roles in Nollywood films.

She earned her nurse practitioner degree at Wagner College in the United States after graduating from the University of Lagos with a degree in Biology.

The ex-beauty queen, who is married to American Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Williams and has lived in the United States for 20 years, announced on Facebook in July 2017 that she had finally received her green card after many years of waiting.

She wrote on Facebook: “And so today I made it official. I took the oath and became a citizen of the United States of America. Empowered and armed for the full pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.”

 

Laide Bakare

Laide Bakare, who expressed excitement about becoming a US citizen, had a remarkable year in 2017.

Years after her bitter divorce from her US-based husband, Olumide Okufulure, she became a US citizen in October.

Laide, who moved to New York shortly after the birth of her son, took a much-needed break from acting in order to complete all of the requirements for citizenship.

Her application was approved, and USCIS bestowed the honor of citizenship on her just days before her 36th birthday.

Bakare displayed her new citizenship certificate and awards in a photo shared on her social media page to demonstrate that she had become a US citizen.

 

Yomi Gold

In November 2018, shortly after posting a viral video implying that he had received approval for US citizenship, the actor received numerous congratulatory messages from his fans and relatives.

He posted a video on Instagram of himself shaking hands with people in a courthouse. In his caption accompanying the video, it appeared to be a moment to remember.

“Very meaningful and rewarding moment.. God bless the United States of America”, he wrote.

The actor later revealed to Saturday Beats that the feat was one of the most memorable moments of his life.

“My best moments as an actor would be right now as I have just received my US citizenship. The love and congratulatory messages I have been receiving are overwhelming. It feels very great to be an American citizen because I am now a citizen of the world.”

 

Bigvai Jokotoye

Bigvai Jokotoye, an actor, was overcome with joy after becoming a citizen of the United States of America.

On June 2, 2021, the producer-turned-actor who has been based in America officially became a US citizen.

The actor took to social media to inform his fans and followers of the good news, displaying his citizenship certificate. He also prayed for those who were truly pleased for him.

Showing off his certificate, the actor shared a video saying: “I am the happiest man right now, I don’t know what to say. Finally, I am a US citizen.

“They brought my certificate, everything. If you are happy for me, God will do it for you. Finally, a U.S citizen .. Thank God for everything.”

 

Prince Eke

On October 24, 2022, Prince Eke was over the moon with his achievement when he officially became a citizen of the United States of America.

Eke took to Instagram page where he shared a video expressing gratitude to God.

He wrote: “Today I truly become an American. I give God all the glory because it’s neither by my power nor by my might. It’s all His Grace!

“So many started this journey before me but their cases are still undecided. Some got drowned in the Mediterranean Sea while others died in the deserts all in an effort to run away from a wicked government. A government that has weaponized poverty. Insecurity and hunger is the order of the day. Thank God for His Grace upon me. I HAVE MY PVC.”

 

Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo, an actress, will become a US citizen in December 2022.

On Wednesday, December 28, the mother of one celebrated her 43rd birthday and flaunted her blue passport in a video shared by her friend, Ini Edo, who was also celebrating her birthday.

Ini Edo, who was ‘crushing’ on her friend’s blue passport while revealing she had become a US citizen, hoped that the day would come when she could proudly display her own and announce her dual citizenship as well.

 

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