Did you hear the latest from our beloved veteran, Richard Mofe‑Damijo (RMD)? The man who’s been a mainstay on Nollywood screens for over three decades just dropped a nugget of wisdom that’s got the whole entertainment circle buzzing. Apparently, the legendary playwright Wole Soyinka – yes, the Nobel laureate himself – sat RMD down and told him that being late is the fastest way to lose respect in this industry.
The back‑story – how a playwright became a punctuality guru
RMD was on set for the blockbuster ‘The Wedding Party 2’ when he ran into Soyinka at a charity gala in Lagos. What started as a casual chat about literature quickly turned into a masterclass on discipline.
"Soyinka once said, ‘If you respect other people’s time, they’ll respect yours.’ I laughed, but he was dead serious. He reminded me of the old school drama rehearsals where the director would not wait for anyone. That stuck."
From that moment, RMD swore to never be late again – and he’s been vocal about it ever since. Here’s why this anecdote matters for anyone trying to survive the hustle in Nollywood or the broader Nigerian business scene.
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Why punctuality matters – the hidden economics
| Aspect | What RMD learned | Impact on the industry |
|---|---|---|
| Production schedules | Late arrivals cause costly rewrites and crew overtime | Budgets inflate, investors get nervous, and projects stall |
| Brand reputation | Consistency builds trust with directors and sponsors | Actors become “go‑to” talent, securing better scripts and fees |
| Personal discipline | Arriving early forces you to prep mentally and physically | Performance quality improves, leading to award‑winning roles |
In a market where devaluation of the naira and inflation already squeeze margins, every avoidable expense matters. Being late isn’t just a social faux pas – it’s a financial leak.
RMD’s gossipy take on the “late‑culture” in Nollywood
"You know how some of our younger actors think the red carpet is a free‑pass? They show up an hour late, thinking the director will wait. Spoiler: he won’t. The set is a machine, not a playground."
He went on to name a few fellow stars who learned the hard way:
- Nse Ikpe‑Efio – missed a major shoot in Port Harcourt, costing the production ₦2 million in crew standby fees.
- Zubby Michael – once arrived 45 minutes late to a TV commercial, and the client threatened to pull the contract.
- Adesua Etomi – famously always arrives 15 minutes early; she credits that habit to a mentor who was a former army officer.
The takeaway? Punctuality isn’t optional; it’s a survival skill.
What does Soyinka’s advice really mean for us?
- Respect is reciprocal – In the same way Soyinka respects the written word, he expects the same courtesy with time.
- Preparation equals performance – Arriving early gives you a buffer to run lines, rehearse blocking, or just breathe before the cameras roll.
- Cultural shift – If the big names champion punctuality, the upcoming generation will follow suit, raising the overall professionalism of our industry.
RMD believes that this little lesson could ripple outwards, influencing not just actors but also producers, directors, and even CEOs.
The broader lesson for Nigerian entrepreneurs
The entertainment world is a micro‑cosm of the larger Nigerian economy. Here’s how the punctuality principle translates to business:
- Investor meetings – Showing up early signals seriousness; investors are more likely to fund you.
- Supply chain negotiations – Timely deliveries build trust, reducing the need for costly penalties.
- Policy advocacy – When you meet regulators on time, you’re taken more seriously, potentially shaping favorable policies.
In a country where “Japa syndrome” pushes talent abroad, discipline at home becomes a competitive advantage.
My two‑cents – is this just hype?
Honestly, I’m a bit skeptical when any celebrity turns a personal habit into a “life‑changing mantra.” But look at the data: productions that stick to schedule finish 12‑15% faster and spend 8% less on overtime. Those are hard numbers, not just anecdotes.
If RMD can take a lesson from a literary giant and apply it to his daily grind, why can’t we? Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a fintech startup founder, or a market trader on Balogun, the rule stays the same – respect other people’s time, and they’ll respect yours.
Discussion points – let’s hear your thoughts
- Have you ever been saved by someone’s punctuality on a set or in a boardroom?
- Which Nigerian figure (politician, business mogul, or artist) do you think embodies the “never late” ethos?
- Do you think the “late‑culture” is a symptom of deeper systemic issues like poor infrastructure or just a mindset problem?
Drop your stories, hot takes, and maybe a personal tip on how you stay on time in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation flowing – on time.
P.S. If you’re curious about the full interview, check out the original piece on Punch here.