Veteran actor and filmmaker, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has called on Nigerians to focus on finding solutions to the country’s challenges rather than simply criticising them.

RMD made the call on Tuesday at the inaugural Pivot Nigeria thought-leadership conference, held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The conference, themed “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”, examined how the country’s international image affects its citizens, businesses and economic opportunities.

RMD said Nigerians had a responsibility to demand better governance while also recognising that their individual actions could influence how the country is perceived internationally.

He urged citizens to hold leaders accountable and ensure elected and appointed officials understood their responsibility to the people they represent.

The actor also reminded Nigerians that their conduct abroad contributes to the country’s reputation.

“Just remember who you are. You are an ambassador, not just for yourself, your parents or your school, but ultimately for your country,” he said.

RMD cited the global growth of Nollywood and Afrobeats, as well as the achievements of Nigerian entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote, as examples of citizens contributing to the country’s reputation.

He, however, cautioned against expecting immediate transformation, describing Nigeria as a country still undergoing development.

“We are a country, we’re a work in progress, and we must continue just doing the work,” he said.

The convener of the conference and Lead Consultant at HighStakes PR Professionals, Victoria Uwadoka, said reputation should be regarded as an important national asset.

Uwadoka said the responsibility for shaping Nigeria’s image extended across the media, citizens, institutions, businesses and government.

She called for balanced reporting and honest conversations about the country, noting that Nigeria’s challenges should be acknowledged alongside its achievements.

Uwadoka also urged the government to create an environment that supports a stronger national reputation through sound policies, infrastructure and effective institutions.

The 2026 Pivot Nigeria conference brought together stakeholders from the creative, media and communications sectors to discuss Nigeria’s global image and its implications for citizens, businesses and national development.