PMAN In Biometric Identity Card Launch, Distribution

Uzo Chikere

In the midst of factional rift occasioned by leadership squabbles within the ranks of the Pretty Okafor-led Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the musicians’ body has made bold strides with the formal launch of its Biometric Identification Project by handing out the new identity cards to a handful of its registered members last Sunday in Lagos.

The event which took place at the prestigious Planet 1 Events Place Lagos attracted a huge crowd of key entertainment industry players, musicians, top corporate personalities among others.

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, the PMAN president, Pretty Okafor, stated that the launch of the Biometric Card Project being witnessed was the climax in the reconstruction of the musicians’ body, adding that it was the same case with the scheduled conference dubbed “Colour of Music Conference” to hold after the launch.

According to Pretty, the biometric card is designed to serve the primary purpose of data base development by gathering and managing proper records of persons involved in music business in Nigeria.

Said he: “We want to gather and manage proper records of persons involved in music business in Nigeria. The card will identify and authenticate individual and group participation in Nigeria’s emerging music industry. It will avail holders a range of special benefits that are relevant to their operations in the industry”.

Other benefits of the card to the holders, include access to bar-code and locking of their musical works, films and other intellectual property through the Global System One (GS1)to prevent unauthorized duplications or free usage of their works anywhere around the world; it guarantees payment of royalties through the Nigerian Inter Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) as well as qualifies them and four members of their respective family members to the special Health Insurance Scheme renewable annually among others.

The project is a product of PMAN partnership with such corporate organisations as Airtel Nigeria, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, Unity Bank, Union Bank, and Skye Bank. Others are, Hogg Robinson, Royal Exchange and Capital 3.

While expressing his gratitude the organisations for their support, the PMAN boss, described them as the very special drivers of the faith-changing solution that would form the fulcrum of of the enhancement of a long neglected business activity in Nigeria, just as he praised their sense of belief in the project.