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The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association Of Nigeria (PMAN) held their biennial general elections on Tuesday October 4 where the interim President Mr. Pretty Okafor who had initial indicated he wasn’t running for the position of the president of the hitherto embroiled union made a volte-face decision to throw his hat in the ring and contest.

He was elected unopposed as substantive president of the union as other aspirants who had shown interest in the position in an admirable show of solidarity and support of the renaissance work he had done in the union during the last eighteen months stepped down. These included Sunny Neji, Ruggedman and ZaakyAzaay, Tolu Obey-Fabiyi, Felix Duke and Asha Gangali.

The national conference drew delegates from 24 states of the country with the elections being the highlight of same. 

Other members that were elected into positions included:  

Sunny Neji -1st vice president, 

ZaakyAzaay -  2nd vice president

Tolu Obey-Fabiyi –National Treasurer

The Ex-Official members included Felix Duke, Asha Gangali, Ruggedman ,Elvinaibru ,Koffiidowu, Arthur Pepple and Benny Paladin Edoja.

In his acceptance speech Mr. Okafor said he had to heed to the genuine call of all and sundry who had in the days leading to the elections impressed it upon him to contest to consolidate on the good work he and his exco had begun and to take the responsibility of leading the union to the next level. He was thankful and humbled by the support he had received from all quarters and didn’t realize that many had been following the moves of him and his interim executive members that closely. This he assured would make them work even harder to take the union to enviable heights. 

Okafor added that as the only union for the creative industry which includes music approved by the federal government, the onus was on him and the newly elected members to positively transform that constituency and set it on enviable paths to achieving the objectives for which it was enacted and promulgated in its constitution. He took time to venerate the founding fathers of the union who also initiated the vision for the union and worked hard to birth it. 

These included Chief (Mrs.) Christy EssienIgbokwe (late), King Sunny Ade (KSA), Evang. Sunny Okosuns (late), Chief Ebenezer Obey, Lemmy Jackson, Tee-Mac Omatshola-Iseli, Emma Ogosi, Laolu Akins, Funmi Adams, ObyOnyioha, Maliki Showman, Harry Mosco, King Pago, Bobby Benson and many others who over the years have served the union in various capacities. Stating what he and his team had achieved in the past 18months, he summarized his plan moving forwardand some of what he intended to achieve during his tenure. 

These include:

•  The transparent running of the affairs of the union during his tenure.
•  The dynamic introduction of processes and systems that will attract a fresher and more vibrant set of members to the union whilst taking into cognizance the contribution and efforts of the existing members.
•  The reaching out to all to unify PMAN and achieve its objectives.
•  The assurance that the rights, entitlements and dignity of all musicians and creative practitioners are recognized and duly rewarded.
•  To ensure that the objectives which the founding members of the union formed same were met and their contributions to the music industry recognized.
•  The rebranding and perception management of the union.
•  The repositioning and restructuring of the Union for effectiveness and to face the present realities and also preparation for the future challenges.
•  The introduction and enforcement of professionalism into members of the union that will bring more respect and acceptability.
•  The optimal utilization and deployment of all resources natural, human and capital to help meet the union’s objectives.
•  The encouragement of capacity building for all members on all levels as pivotal to the progress of the union.

·        Others which will communicated as the unfolded.

The newly elected president further assured that he and his new exco were set to hit the ground running to continue with the good work which they were known for and asked for the continued support of the government both at Federal and state levels, public and private corporate organizations, media, stakeholders, well-wishers and the general public. He stated that he would not let those who bestowed such confidence by voting him in down.

NB: PMAN Plateau State was well represented at the election by State Chairman - Wudel Goyoma, Vice Chairman - Vou Vanessa and Secretary - Vincent Yoko.
Details soon...