Veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo has called on Nigerians to stop condemning the country and start offering solutions to its challenges. He made this statement at the maiden edition of Pivot Nigeria, a thought-leadership conference themed “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?” The event was held on Tuesday at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. Mofe-Damijo emphasized that every citizen pays the price for how Nigeria is perceived abroad.
Mofe-Damijo pointed out that Nigerians are too quick to condemn the country without offering solutions. He stressed the need for citizens to demand better governance and recognize how their conduct shapes Nigeria’s image internationally. According to him, citizens must hold leadership accountable, adding that this would make leaders responsible for the people they represent. He also reminded Nigerians that they are ambassadors of the country, not just for themselves, but also for their families, schools, and ultimately, their nation.
The actor cited the global success of Nollywood and Afrobeats, as well as entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, as examples of Nigerians building the country's reputation capital from within. However, he cautioned against expecting overnight transformation, emphasizing that Nigeria is a work in progress that requires continuous effort. Mofe-Damijo's remarks were made to encourage Nigerians to take responsibility for the country's image and work towards creating a positive reputation.
Victoria Uwadoka, the convener and Lead Consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, also spoke at the conference. She emphasized that reputation must be treated as a critical national asset. According to Uwadoka, the media, individuals, institutions, corporate Nigeria, and the government all have a responsibility to protect and enhance the country's reputation. She stressed the need for balance in reporting, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the country.
Uwadoka further stated that the government must create an enabling environment through sound policies, infrastructure, and strong institutions. This, she believes, would help to promote a positive image of Nigeria. The conference brought together voices from the creative, media, and communications sectors to examine how Nigeria’s reputation affects citizens, businesses, and national opportunities.
The 2026 Pivot Nigeria conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the country's reputation and its implications. The event featured speakers from various sectors, including entertainment, media, and communications. The conference aimed to raise awareness about the importance of reputation and encourage Nigerians to take collective responsibility for the country's image.
The Punch Newspaper reported the event, with entertainment and lifestyle correspondent Naomi Chima covering the conference. The article was published on September 30, 2026, at 10:25 am. The conference was a significant step towards promoting a positive image of Nigeria and encouraging citizens to take responsibility for the country's reputation.
Key points
- Richard Mofe-Damijo urges Nigerians to stop condemning the country and offer solutions to its challenges.
