Soyinka, J.P. Clark Shaped Me – RMD

Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has revealed how the values instilled in him by his mother have shaped his life and career.

Speaking at a recent event, the actor said his mother constantly reminded him of his roots and the responsibility that came with representing his family and community.

“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. She drilled one statement into me: ‘Don’t forget whose child you are.’

“That stayed with me. She nurtured me and taught me that, at different points in our lives, we represent different people, families and institutions.”

RMD also credited his education and experiences working with notable figures, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and late playwright J.P. Clark, with helping to strengthen his discipline and sense of responsibility.

“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.

The actor said punctuality remained one of the values he held strongly, noting that people should arrive early rather than at the exact time they are expected.

“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.”

Reflecting on his encounters with Soyinka and J.P. Clark, RMD said their commitment to punctuality and professionalism influenced his own approach to work.

“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.

“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. 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.”

Speaking about Nigerian independence and the responsibility of individuals to contribute positively to society, RMD said he had always tried to uphold high standards in his personal and professional life.

“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?”

The actor, who served in government for eight years, said his experience in public service showed him both the potential of government to improve lives and the challenges that could undermine good intentions.

“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.”

RMD said his experience in government also taught him that people should be willing to leave systems they cannot change and seek other ways to make an impact.

“When I came into government, I was determined to fight to change the attitude that some people brought into the system. That experience taught me something important: if you can’t fight the system, get out and go build somewhere else.”