Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has challenged Nigerians to play a more active role in addressing the country’s challenges, saying criticism without a commitment to finding solutions would do little to advance national development.
Speaking at the 2026 Pivot Nigeria Conference in Lagos, RMD acknowledged the difficulties confronting the country but stressed that citizens must complement their identification of problems with practical efforts to resolve them.
“There are problems, but we need to fix them. Don’t stand and just criticise and propose no solution,” he said.
The actor’s remarks centred on the need for greater civic responsibility, accountability and a collective commitment to improving the country. He argued that while criticism of government and public institutions remains an important part of civic engagement, citizens should also consider how they can contribute to addressing the problems they identify.
RMD also called for stronger accountability among political leaders, saying elected officials must remain conscious of their responsibility to the people who entrusted them with public office.
“We don’t hold leadership accountable enough,” he said.
According to the filmmaker, Nigerians have a responsibility to demand transparency and accountability from those occupying positions of political authority. He stressed that public office should be viewed as a responsibility to the citizens rather than simply a position of power.
Beyond the conduct of government officials, RMD also urged Nigerians to pay attention to their individual responsibilities and how their actions shape perceptions of the country.
He said Nigerians should recognise that their conduct, particularly when interacting with people from other countries, can influence how the country is perceived internationally.
“Just remember who you are. You are an ambassador, not just for yourself, your parents or your school, but ultimately for your country,” he added.
The veteran actor described Nigeria as a “work in progress”, urging citizens and leaders alike to remain patient while taking responsibility for their respective roles in the country’s development.
His comments placed emphasis on a shared responsibility between citizens and government, with national progress requiring not only criticism of existing shortcomings but also sustained efforts to address them.
RMD’s intervention at the conference comes amid continued public discussions about governance, leadership, civic responsibility and the challenges facing Nigeria. His message was that meaningful change requires citizens to move from observation and criticism to constructive participation, while simultaneously demanding accountability from those entrusted with public responsibilities.