Nigeria’s global image and the economic, cultural and reputational costs of how the country is perceived will be examined as leading voices in the creative, media and communications sectors converge in Lagos for the second edition of Pivot Nigeria.
The annual thought-leadership gathering, scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at La Scala, MUSON Centre, Lagos, will focus on the theme, “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”
The organisers said the event would examine the relationship between Nigeria’s reputation and the opportunities, costs and consequences that flow from the country’s image at home and abroad.
The platform is designed to challenge established narratives about Nigeria while promoting authentic stories capable of reshaping perceptions and strengthening the country’s reputation.
Among the prominent personalities billed to feature at the event is veteran actor, media entrepreneur and former Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD.
With more than three decades of experience across journalism, film, television, publishing, public service, entrepreneurship and media, RMD has played a prominent role in Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy.
He began his professional career as a journalist before moving into publishing, where he founded MISTER, described by the organisers as Nigeria’s first all-gloss men’s lifestyle magazine.
His career later extended into public service, where he served as Special Adviser and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, bringing his experience in the creative sector into government and policy discussions.
RMD is also the founder of White Water Limited and RMD Productions, while his Richard Mofe-Damijo Foundation focuses on creating opportunities, building capacity and supporting emerging talents and communities through the creative and cultural industries.
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Also expected at the gathering is Rosemary Afolahan-Egabor, a senior executive with nearly two decades of experience spanning media, communications and financial services.
A member of the founding team of News Central TV, Afolahan-Egabor has been involved in shaping the organisation’s vision, corporate strategy, market positioning, partnerships and revenue growth.
Her expertise covers strategy development, sales leadership, strategic partnerships and brand positioning, with experience in building media ventures and executing campaigns across Africa.
Strategic Communications Adviser and Co-Founder of The Comms Avenue, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, is another key voice expected at the event.
Jaiyesimi advises organisations, senior executives and boards on reputation leadership, strategic narrative development and communication effectiveness across Africa and emerging markets.
With more than 15 years of professional experience, she has worked with multinational, multilateral and African organisations, while also leading communications training and capacity-development programmes.
Elvis Eromosele, a journalist, corporate communications strategist and media entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience across journalism, public relations and sustainability advocacy, is also billed to feature.
Eromosele is Editor of TheNumbersNG and a Thinker at 1234 Perceptions Limited, where he focuses on data-driven business journalism, corporate reputation management and public policy commentary.
His work spans the intersections of economics, technology and society, combining analytical reporting with corporate communications and reputation management.
He holds a degree in Industrial Mathematics from the University of Benin and an MBA in Marketing from Lagos State University.
The organisers said Pivot Nigeria was conceived as a platform for conversations connecting reputation, leadership, culture, communications and economic value.
They said the 2026 edition would go beyond discussions about Nigeria’s image to interrogate a fundamental question: who bears the consequences when Nigeria is perceived negatively, and who benefits when the country’s reputation improves?
The gathering is expected to explore how national narratives are created, amplified and consumed, and the extent to which perception can influence Nigeria’s cultural influence, business environment, investment appeal and broader global standing.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X