‎‎Veteran actor and filmmaker, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has urged Nigerians to stop condemning the country and start offering solutions to its challenges, saying every citizen pays the price for how Nigeria is perceived abroad.
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‎RMD spoke on Tuesday at the maiden edition of Pivot Nigeria, a thought-leadership conference themed ‘The reputation dividend: Who pays for Nigeria’s perception?’
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‎He said, “We are too quick to condemn us. There are problems but we need to fix them. Don’t stand and just criticise and then proffer no solution.
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‎“While we the citizens must demand better governance, we must also recognise how our own conduct shapes Nigeria’s image internationally.
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‎“We don’t hold leadership accountable enough. If we do, then when they come in there, they know that they are responsible for the people that they represent.
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‎“Just remember who you are. You are an ambassador, not just for yourself, your parents or your school, but ultimately for your country.”
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‎RMD pointed to the global success of Nollywood, Afrobeats, and entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, as proof that Nigerians are building the reputation capital from within, but cautioned against expecting overnight transformation.
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‎“We are a country, we’re a work in progress, and we must continue just doing the work,” he pointed out.
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‎Also speaking at the conference, the convener and Lead Consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, Victoria Uwadoka, said reputation must be treated as a critical national asset.
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‎“Reputation is actually very, very critical for us as citizens and as a nation. The media has a responsibility. Individuals have a responsibility. Institutions have a responsibility. Corporate Nigeria has a responsibility. The government has a responsibility.
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‎“Tell the truth about where we are. Be balanced. There’s not only bad about us, but there’s also good as well. However, the government must create an enabling environment through sound policies, infrastructure and strong institutions,” she said.
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‎The 2026 Pivot Nigeria conference was held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. It brought together voices from the creative, media and communications sectors to examine how Nigeria’s reputation affects citizens, businesses and national opportunities.