Addressing the Cost of National Perception

Nigeria’s global reputation and the economic and social implications of the country’s perception will come under scrutiny as Pivot Nigeria holds the second edition of its annual gathering on September 29, 2026, in Lagos. The event, scheduled to take place at La Scala, MUSON Centre, focuses on the theme, “The Reputation Dividend: Who Pays for Nigeria’s Perception?”

The gathering is expected to bring together leading voices from the creative, media, and communications sectors to examine Nigeria’s image, national narratives, and the factors influencing how the country is perceived locally and internationally. According to the organisers, the conversation is aimed at challenging established narratives about Nigeria while amplifying authentic stories capable of influencing perceptions and strengthening the country’s reputation.

Leading Voices in Creative and Media Sectors

Among the personalities expected 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 spanning film, television, journalism, and public service, RMD has played significant roles in Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy.

RMD began his professional career as a journalist, writing for leading Nigerian newspapers, before venturing into publishing and establishing MISTER, which organisers describe as Nigeria’s first all-gloss men’s lifestyle magazine. He later transitioned into public service and eventually founded White Water Limited and RMD Productions, while his foundation focuses on creating opportunities for emerging talents through the creative industries.

Shaping Strategy and Corporate Narrative

Also expected at the gathering is Rosemary Afolahan-Egabor, a senior executive with nearly two decades of experience across the media, communications, and financial services sectors. As a member of the founding team of News Central TV, Afolahan-Egabor has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s corporate strategy, market positioning, and revenue growth across Africa.

Strategic Communications Adviser and The Comms Avenue Co-Founder, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, is another prominent speaker expected at the event. Jaiyesimi advises organisations, senior executives, and boards on reputation leadership and strategic narrative development, having worked extensively with multinationals and African organisations to lead communications training and capacity development programmes.

The Intersection of Data and Reputation

The organisers stated that Pivot Nigeria is designed to provide a platform for conversations connecting reputation, leadership, culture, communications, and economic value. The 2026 edition will particularly examine who bears the consequences and benefits of Nigeria’s global perception, as well as the role of different stakeholders in shaping the country’s narrative.

Contributing to the conversation is Elvis Eromosele, a Nigerian journalist and corporate communications strategist with more than two decades of experience. As Editor of TheNumbersNG and Thinker at 1234 Perceptions Limited, Eromosele specialises in data-driven business journalism and corporate reputation management. His work combines data-driven analysis with storytelling to explore the intersection of economics, technology, and society.