Not many people are aware of the record held by Wellington Umoh Bassey. According to the record, Bassey, a man born in Akwa Ibom, is known as the first man to enlist in the Nigerian Army and is commonly referred to with the number NA 1.

Nigeria Stories, in a post on X, revealed that Bassey joined the Royal Band Corps of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) in 1933. Despite facing opposition from his parents and community, who viewed joining the British army at that time as a risky and unconventional decision, Bassey remained undeterred.

The doubts and obstacles did not deter the 25-year-old, as he demonstrated his commitment to the cause. He took the initiative to enlist, realizing that he was not only the first in Nigeria but also the first in the entire West Africa, securing a significant place in history.

Records show that Bassey held various positions in the British colonial force, including warrant officer two, company sergeant major, and weapons instructor. He excelled in the latter role, leading to his assignment to train troops in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) from 1945 to 1949.

After successfully completing an officers' training course in Warwick, England, Bassey was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant as an infantry officer by King George VI in April 1949. This promotion made him the first West African regular commissioned officer with the service number WA1.

When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the Nigerian Army was established from the Queens Own Regiment, with Bassey as the first Nigerian soldier. Prior to this, he had served as aide-de-camp to the Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir Stuart Macpherson.

Over a span of approximately 11 years, Bassey held various command positions, including first commanding officer of the Boys Company (now Nigerian Military School) in Zaria, first Nigerian commandant of Lagos Garrison in Apapa, first commanding officer of the Federal Guards (later Brigade of Guards) in Lagos, commanding officer of the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, and brigade commander of the first Brigade (now first division) in Kaduna.

Army Barracks Camp WU Bassey and Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo are named in his ho