Follow Us on Google
By Philip Nwosu
Veteran actor and filmmaker, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has urged Nigerians to move beyond criticising the country’s problems and take greater responsibility for finding solutions to the challenges confronting the nation.
RMD made the call at the 2026 Pivot Nigeria Conference in Lagos, where discussions centred on Nigeria’s reputation and the effect of the country’s image on its citizens, businesses and economic opportunities.
The conference, organised around the theme, “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”, brought together stakeholders from the creative, media, communications and business sectors to examine how Nigeria is perceived and the responsibility of citizens and institutions in shaping that perception.
Speaking during the conference, RMD said acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges should not end with criticism, stressing that citizens also had a responsibility to contribute to solving the problems they identify.
“There are problems, but we need to fix them. Don’t stand and just criticise and propose no solution,” he said.
The actor also called for greater accountability from political leaders, arguing that citizens must demand responsibility from those entrusted with public office.
“We don’t hold leadership accountable enough,” RMD said, adding that elected leaders should understand that they were responsible to the people they represented.
He further challenged Nigerians to recognise their individual role in shaping the country’s reputation, particularly when they travel or interact with people from other countries.
According to him, Nigerians should see themselves as representatives of the country and conduct themselves in ways that contribute positively to its image.
“Just remember who you are. You are an ambassador, not just for yourself, your parents or your school, but ultimately for your country,” he said.
RMD said Nigeria’s international reputation should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of government, noting that ordinary citizens also influence how the country is perceived through their conduct and achievements.
He cited the international growth of Nigerian creative industries, particularly Afrobeats, as evidence that Nigerians can build globally recognised successes from within the country.
The actor also pointed to the achievements of Nigerian entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote, saying such accomplishments demonstrate the capacity of Nigerians to create institutions and businesses capable of gaining international recognition.
While acknowledging the country’s difficulties, RMD urged Nigerians to recognise that national development is an ongoing process requiring sustained effort.
He described Nigeria as a “work in progress” and called for patience while citizens, institutions and government continue efforts to address the country’s challenges.
The conference convener and Lead Consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, Victoria Uwadoka, said Nigeria’s reputation should be regarded as a national asset because it influences trust, opportunities and the way the country is perceived internationally.
Uwadoka said responsibility for Nigeria’s reputation extended beyond government to citizens, the media, businesses and other institutions.
She also urged Nigerians to present a balanced account of the country, acknowledging its problems while highlighting areas of progress and achievement.
The 2026 Pivot Nigeria Conference therefore focused on the relationship between national reputation and the opportunities available to Nigerians, businesses and institutions, with participants examining the role of storytelling, communication and individual responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.
