Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has attributed much of his discipline, sense of responsibility and approach to life to the values instilled in him by his mother while he was growing up.
The respected actor, who reflected on his upbringing and career at a recent event, said his mother constantly reminded him of his roots and the responsibilities attached to representing his family and the people who had shaped him.
“Growing up, I was deeply attached to my mother. I do not know if it was because I was an only child, but she constantly reminded me of where I came from and the responsibility that came with it,” Damijo said.
According to him, one particular statement from his mother remained deeply ingrained in his consciousness throughout his life.
“She drilled one statement into me: ‘Don’t forget whose child you are.’”
RMD said the lesson went beyond simply remembering his family background, explaining that his mother taught him that an individual’s conduct could reflect on the people, institutions and communities they represent.
“That stayed with me. She nurtured me and taught me that, at different points in our lives, we represent different people, families and institutions,” he said.
Soyinka, J.P. Clark and the culture of discipline
Beyond his home training, the actor said his education and encounters with prominent Nigerian literary figures also played an important role in shaping his attitude to discipline, punctuality and responsibility.
He specifically recalled his experiences with renowned playwright and poet J.P. Clark and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, whom he encountered at different stages of his career.
“I was also fortunate to have been well trained in the schools I attended and by the people I had the opportunity to work with. They taught me the importance of discipline, punctuality and responsibility,” he said.
For RMD, punctuality is not merely a matter of arriving at an appointed place on time but a demonstration of preparedness and respect for others.
“Timeliness is important to me. If someone tells you to be somewhere at 8 o’clock, you should get there by 7:30. That way, when they encounter you, you are already prompt and ready to take off,” he explained.
He traced some of this attitude to his early professional encounters with respected figures in Nigeria’s theatre tradition.
“I was privileged to work with people who embodied those values. In 1984, I encountered Professor J.P. Clark as a resident actor at the J.K. Randle Centre. I also had the opportunity to encounter Wole Soyinka as a director,” he said.
Recalling Soyinka’s own approach to time and professional commitments, RMD added: “If you have encountered Soyinka, you would understand what I mean. If he says 4pm and you get there at 3:30pm, he is already there.”
He said working with people who demonstrated such standards influenced his own conduct and created an obligation to pass those values on to others.
“Those are the kinds of people I have had the opportunity to work with, and I imbibed that culture. I hope that those who encounter me will also be conscious of what they can learn from me,” he said.
RMD reflects on eight years in government
Reflecting on his experience in public service, RMD said his understanding of responsibility was further reinforced during the eight years he spent serving in government.
He said the experience showed him the potential of government to bring about positive change, while also exposing him to the challenges that can arise when institutional culture conflicts with the values of individuals who enter the system.
“I have always tried to live by one principle. I overcompensate by trying to make sure that I am proper in everything that I do. At different stages of our lives, we represent something bigger than ourselves. The question is, what is it that you carry inside you, and who do you represent?” he said.
According to the actor, his time in government gave him a closer understanding of the opportunities and difficulties associated with public service.
“I served government for eight years, and during that period, I realised that government has tremendous potential for good. You see that you have the ability to change things for good, but the system is sometimes built in such a way that when good people come into it, if their values are not deeply rooted, the system can suck them in,” he said.
RMD said he entered government determined to challenge attitudes and practices he believed could undermine the effectiveness of public institutions.
“When I came into government, I was determined to fight to change the attitude that some people brought into the system,” he said.
The experience, he added, ultimately reinforced his belief that individuals should remain guided by their principles and recognise when an environment prevents them from making the contribution they seek to make.
“That experience taught me something important: if you can’t fight the system, get out and go build somewhere else,” he said.
For RMD, the lessons from his mother, his education, his professional encounters and his time in public service have collectively shaped his understanding of leadership and personal responsibility — particularly the idea that people are often representatives of something larger than themselves.