RMD urges Nigerians to improve country’s global image

Veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo has urged Nigerians to stop merely condemning the country and begin contributing solutions to its challenges. Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, spoke on Tuesday at the inaugural Pivot Nigeria thought-leadership conference in Lagos. The event, held under the theme “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”, examined the effect of the country’s image on citizens, businesses and national opportunities.

He said Nigerians had a duty to demand better governance, while also recognising that their personal conduct influences how the country is viewed internationally. According to him, citizens should hold leaders accountable so that those in government understand their responsibility to the people they represent. RMD also described every Nigerian as an ambassador for the country.

He pointed to the international success of Nollywood, Afrobeats and entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote as evidence that Nigerians were already contributing to the country’s reputation. However, he cautioned that national transformation would not happen immediately. “We are a country, we’re a work in progress, and we must continue just doing the work,” he said.

He added that criticism without practical proposals would not resolve the problems facing Nigeria. Victoria Uwadoka, convener of the conference and lead consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, said reputation should be treated as a critical national asset. She said the media, individuals, institutions, businesses and government all had responsibilities to tell the truth about Nigeria while presenting a balanced account of both its difficulties and achievements.

Uwadoka also called for sound policies, infrastructure and strong institutions to create an enabling environment. The 2026 conference brought together participants from the creative, media and communications sectors.