Veteran filmmaker emphasizes individual responsibility and public accountability in shaping the country’s global reputation.
Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has called on Nigerians to refrain from constantly condemning the country, urging citizens to focus instead on offering constructive solutions to ongoing national challenges.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Pivot Nigeria thought-leadership conference at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, the iconic screen star emphasized that every citizen ultimately bears the consequences of how the nation is perceived on the international stage.
Emphasizing Individual Accountability and Global Representation
Delivering his address centered on the theme “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”, RMD noted that while demanding better leadership remains necessary, citizens must recognize how personal conduct shapes the nation’s image.
He cautioned against constant criticism without corresponding attempts to solve pressing issues, urging individuals to act as positive ambassadors for the country across all platforms.
“We are too quick to condemn us,” RMD stated during the conference. “There are problems, but we need to fix them. Don’t stand and just criticise and then proffer no solution. While we the citizens must demand better governance, we must also recognise how our own conduct shapes Nigeria’s image internationally.”
The veteran actor also highlighted the need for stronger public accountability, asserting that elected leaders must be held responsible to ensure they serve the interests of the populace.
Leveraging Cultural Capital and Institutional Responsibility
Pointing to the international success of Nollywood, the Afrobeats genre, and prominent business figures like Aliko Dangote, RMD argued that Nigerians are actively building internal reputation capital despite existing economic and social hurdles.
He reminded attendees that nation-building is a continuous effort, cautioning against expectations of immediate or overnight societal transformation.
“We are a country, we’re a work in progress, and we must continue just doing the work,” he added.
Adding to the discussions, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, urged both media organizations and corporate entities to treat national reputation as a critical asset, calling on government authorities to foster enabling environments through strong policies and infrastructure.
The conference convened leaders across the creative, media, and communications sectors to examine the broader economic and social impacts of national perception on Nigerian citizens and businesses globally.
