Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), has challenged Nigerians to look past constant criticism of the nation’s challenges and actively participate in building sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the recently concluded 2026 Pivot Nigeria Conference in Lagos, RMD emphasized that identifying systemic problems must be paired with collective action, urging citizens to take ownership of the country’s trajectory rather than leaving development solely to the government.
The event, themed “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”, drew a diverse lineup of stakeholders from the creative, media, communications, and business sectors.
Discussions primarily focused on how national image directly impacts economic opportunities, foreign investment, and global perceptions, while establishing that reputation-building is a shared duty across all tiers of society.
Beyond citizen responsibility, RMD strongly advocated for heightened leadership accountability, pointing out that Nigerians often fail to demand enough responsibility from elected officials.
He noted that public servants must constantly recognize that they derive their authority from the people and remain fully accountable to the citizens they represent in governance.
The veteran filmmaker also highlighted the powerful role of individual conduct, reminding attendees that every Nigerian abroad serves as an unofficial ambassador for the country.
He cited global success stories—such as the meteoric rise of Afrobeats and the monumental business achievements of entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote—as proof that Nigerians possess the innate capability to build world-class institutions from home.
In her remarks, conference convener and Lead Consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, Victoria Uwadoka, described Nigeria’s reputation as a vital national asset that dictates trust and economic potential.
Uwadoka urged both media practitioners and citizens to maintain a balanced narrative that acknowledges existing hurdles while actively celebrating local progress, creativity, and national resilience.
