Veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has been slated to give the keynote speech at the sixth International Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference. The event, scheduled to hold on November 18 and 19 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, will bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of filmmaking and content distribution in the evolving digital landscape.
The conference, organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), will focus on the theme ‘Film and Content Production in the Digital Era: Balancing Regulation and Innovation.’ The event aims to address how Nigeria’s creative industries can adapt to new technology while ensuring regulation and audience protection. RMD’s participation marks a significant milestone as he is the first male practitioner from the film industry to deliver the keynote, following Mo Abudu in 2024 and Bolanle Austen-Peters in 2025.
With over three decades of experience in acting, filmmaking, journalism, publishing, and public service, RMD has established himself as one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s screen industry. He has appeared in more than 60 film and TV productions and has worked as a journalist for prominent newspapers like The Guardian and Concord. RMD also founded MISTER, Nigeria’s first all-gloss men’s lifestyle magazine, and later moved into public relations and film production with his companies White Water Limited and RMD Productions.
In addition to his accomplishments in the entertainment industry, RMD has also worked in government, serving as a special adviser and later as Delta State’s commissioner for culture and tourism. This experience has given him direct insight into the policy issues facing Nigeria’s cultural sector. Through the Richard Mofe-Damijo Foundation, he has supported projects aimed at nurturing new talent and creating more opportunities in the creative industries.
Dr Shaibu Husseini, executive director and chief executive of the NFVCB, highlighted RMD’s unique blend of creative excellence, entrepreneurial experience, and public service, making him well-suited to speak at the conference. Husseini noted that RMD’s journey across film, media, business, and cultural administration offers valuable perspectives on the opportunities before Nigeria’s creative industries and the policy conversations required to sustain their growth.
The conference will examine how regulation can adapt to new digital production and distribution methods without stifling creativity. As streaming services and digital platforms continue to transform the way African films and TV shows are financed, distributed, and watched, Nigeria faces both business opportunities and regulatory challenges. The two-day event will explore new trends in content production, digital distribution, streaming technology, and the policies needed to support the industry’s growth.
The annual conference is held in honour of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a renowned filmmaker and founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, who was a prominent advocate for African cinema and its international recognition. As the industry continues to evolve, the conference aims to create an environment where innovation can thrive while protecting audiences, promoting responsible content, and supporting the sustainable development of the industry.
Key points
- RMD’s experience in entertainment, business, and public administration makes him well-suited to speak at the conference.
- The conference will focus on balancing regulation and innovation in the digital era.
- The event aims to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s creative industries in the evolving digital landscape.
