Veteran Nigerian actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has credited Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and late poet and playwright Professor J.P. Clark with helping shape his values of discipline, punctuality and responsibility.
The actor made the disclosure while speaking at a recent event, reflecting on the people and experiences that influenced his professional conduct and personal outlook.
He also spoke about his mother’s role in shaping his sense of identity and responsibility while growing up, describing her advice as an enduring influence on his life.
‘Don’t forget whose child you are’
RMD said his mother regularly reminded him of his background and the responsibilities that came with it.
He recalled her message: “Don’t forget whose child you are.”
According to the actor, the advice taught him that an individual’s conduct can reflect on more than the individual alone, including their family, workplace and wider community.
He said that understanding the responsibilities attached to representing others had remained important throughout his career.
Lessons from Soyinka and J.P. Clark
RMD said his encounters with Soyinka and Clark also reinforced the importance of discipline and punctuality.
He recalled meeting Clark in 1984 while working as a resident actor at the J.K. Randle Centre. He also had the opportunity to work with Soyinka as a director.
The actor described both men as examples of professionals who took timekeeping seriously.
Reflecting on Soyinka’s punctuality, RMD said that arriving well before an agreed time was part of the standard he had learned to maintain.
He explained that such experiences shaped his understanding of professionalism, preparation and respect for other people’s time.
A career shaped by responsibility
Mofe-Damijo is one of Nigeria’s recognised screen actors and has also served in public office. His reflections linked the values he learned through family and professional relationships with the responsibilities he later encountered in government.
He said his time in public service reinforced his view that government has the potential to improve people’s lives, while also presenting challenges for those seeking to change established practices.
The actor’s account highlights the influence of mentorship and professional example in developing habits that extend beyond the workplace.
His message also places emphasis on the role of personal discipline in public life, where punctuality, accountability and respect for commitments can affect both individual performance and institutional trust.