Veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo has urged Nigerians not to use the country's age as an excuse for poor governance and institutional failures. Speaking at the 2026 Pivot Nigeria Conference in Lagos, Mofe-Damijo emphasized that Nigeria's relatively young age compared to developed countries requires patience and consistent effort towards nation-building. The conference, themed "The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria's Perception?", examined Nigeria's global reputation and the social and economic costs of negative perceptions.
Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, noted that Nigeria, which will mark 66 years of independence this year, is still a young country compared to many developed nations. He stressed that building a stable and prosperous nation requires time and deliberate effort. According to him, Nigeria's age should remind citizens of the need for patience and consistent work towards a shared goal of nation-building. Mofe-Damijo encouraged Nigerians not to get discouraged by the country's shortcomings but to continue working towards a better future.
The actor also criticized Nigerians for being too quick to criticize the country, emphasizing that changing the way citizens view Nigeria doesn't mean ignoring its problems. He urged Nigerians to move beyond criticism and offer practical ideas and solutions to national challenges. Mofe-Damijo believes that every Nigerian has a role to play in shaping the country's image, both at home and abroad. He encouraged young people and professionals to see themselves as ambassadors of Nigeria in their daily conduct.
Mofe-Damijo emphasized that national development depends on citizens taking responsibility for the kind of country they want to build. He noted that successful societies are built by their people, citing the example of America. The Nollywood legend also cited Nigeria's Afrobeats industry and the Dangote Group as examples of local success stories that demonstrate what Nigerians can achieve when they identify opportunities, build capacity, and pursue excellence.
The actor urged Nigerians to stop condemning the country without offering solutions to its problems. He emphasized that reframing the lens through which Nigerians view the country is not about lying about its problems but about fixing them. Mofe-Damijo believes that Nigerians should focus on finding solutions to the country's challenges rather than just criticizing them.
The conference, convened by Victoria Uwadoka, brought together participants to discuss Nigeria's global reputation and the social and economic costs of negative perceptions. Mofe-Damijo's remarks at the conference emphasized the need for Nigerians to work together towards building a stable and prosperous nation. He encouraged citizens to take pride in their country and to see themselves as ambassadors of Nigeria.
In conclusion, Mofe-Damijo's message to Nigerians is one of hope and encouragement. He believes that with patience, consistent effort, and a shared commitment to nation-building, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a better future. The actor's remarks at the Pivot Nigeria Conference have sparked a renewed call to action among Nigerians to work towards building a stable and prosperous nation.
Key points
- Richard Mofe-Damijo urges Nigerians not to use the country's age as an excuse for poor governance and institutional failures.
- Mofe-Damijo emphasizes the need for patience and consistent effort towards nation-building in Nigeria.
- The actor encourages Nigerians to move beyond criticism and offer practical ideas and solutions to national challenges.
