Renowned Nigerian actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo will headline the upcoming sixth International Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference as the keynote speaker. The prominent industry gathering is scheduled to take place on November 18 and 19 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, bringing together stakeholders to chart the future of cinema and media distribution amid rapid technological shifts.
Mofe-Damijo, widely known as RMD, marks a notable milestone as the first male practitioner from the motion picture sector to deliver the keynote address. His predecessors include prominent female industry leaders Mo Abudu and Bolanle Austen-Peters. The conference is hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) under the overarching theme, 'Film and Content Production in the Digital Era: Balancing Regulation and Innovation.'
What are the core objectives of the conference?
The two-day summit aims to convene key players across the entertainment ecosystem, including movie producers, streaming service executives, content distributors, cinema exhibitors, government policymakers, and academic researchers. Discussions will center on how Nigeria’s dynamic creative sector can successfully embrace emerging technologies while establishing sensible regulatory frameworks and safeguarding audiences.
With a career spanning more than thirty years, RMD brings a wealth of multi- sectoral expertise encompassing acting, film production, journalism, publishing, and public governance. Having featured in upwards of 60 television and movie productions, he remains one of the most iconic and recognizable personalities in the African screen industry.
Prior to his flourishing acting career, he worked as a journalist with respected publications such as The Guardian and Concord. He later established MISTER, noted as Nigeria’s pioneer all-gloss men's lifestyle magazine, before expanding into public relations and film production through his corporate entities White Water Limited and RMD Productions.
Furthermore, his background includes public service roles as a special adviser and subsequently as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State. This administrative experience provided him with firsthand insights into the policy hurdles confronting Nigeria's cultural economy. Through the Richard Mofe-Damijo Foundation, he has consistently championed initiatives aimed at mentoring emerging creative talents.
Why was RMD chosen as the keynote speaker?
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, explained that the veteran actor's diverse background in the arts, entrepreneurship, and public administration uniquely positions him to address the gathering.
"RMD represents a distinctive blend of creative excellence, entrepreneurial experience and public service," Dr. Husseini stated. "His 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."
Dr. Husseini further emphasized that the upcoming dialogue will explore ways for regulatory bodies to adapt to modern digital production and distribution models without stifling artistic freedom.
"As the boundaries between film, television and digital content continue to evolve, our challenge as regulators is to create an environment where innovation can flourish while protecting audiences, promoting responsible content and supporting the sustainable development of the industry," he added.
The convention comes at a critical juncture as global streaming platforms and digital networks reshape how African audiovisual content is funded, distributed, and consumed. For Nigeria, where the creative economy significantly influences cultural identity and international reputation, these transformations present both immense commercial opportunities and regulatory complexities.
The annual symposium is dedicated to the memory of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a celebrated filmmaker and visionary founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, who remained a passionate champion for the global advancement of African cinema.