By Florencemary Nwabueze
Joseph Momodu, a well-known figure in Nigeria's Nollywood film industry, has officially enlisted in the United States Army, marking a dramatic career shift that he describes as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and a tribute to his late father's legacy of service.
The actor announced his enlistment in an emotional Instagram post on Friday, where he detailed the grueling journey through Basic Combat Training and the profound personal significance of his new role as a soldier.
Momodu, who has built a following in the Nigerian film industry, revealed that the ten-week training program tested him both physically and emotionally in ways he never anticipated. In his post, he described a transformation that took him from civilian to soldier through intense discipline and sacrifice.
"From inception, I have always believed in achievements earned through merit, which is why I constantly push myself beyond limits," Momodu wrote. "This particular one was forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun."
"There were moments of doubt and times I questioned myself, 'who send me message sef'?"—a popular Nigerian Pidgin expression questioning one's own decisions.
Momodu's decision to enlist carries deep family significance. The actor chose April 12, 2026, as the date to honor his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force before passing away two decades ago.
"On April 12, 2026, I honored my late father in a historic way. Twenty years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigerian Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army," he explained.
Momodu has now officially graduated from Basic Combat Training and holds the rank of Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu. He is assigned to the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
The actor acknowledged the support system that helped him achieve this milestone, including his social media manager and the US Army Recruiting Station in Burbank, California.
In his announcement, Momodu emphasized the intensity of the experience, describing ten weeks of being "incommunicado" and learning to "find comfort in discomfort."
"This chapter is written. The next one begins now," he added, hinting at the new journey ahead.
The actor dedicated his achievement to God, his late father, and "the Royal Family of Oba Momodu II, the Avyuele Clan, Agbede, Etsako West, Edo State"—highlighting his roots in Nigeria's Edo State even as he begins this new chapter in American military service.