Pretty Okafor Emerges PMAN President, Others Unopposed

The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) National Delegates Conference cum Bi-ennial Elections took place on October 4, 2016 against all odds to produce Pretty Okafor as the musicians’ association national president.

The event which had been threatened by what was described by then interim president, Pretty Okafor as security concerns, had however been pushed forward to the wee hours of the scheduled date where he was returned unopposed by his members in solidarity and support for the innovation he had brought to bear on the union over the last 18 months.

Pretty Okafor being declared winner

Members who had indicated interest to run for the musicians top job included Sunny Neji, Ruggedman and Zaaky Azaay, Tolu Obey-Fabiyi, Felix Duke and Asha Gangali, but elected to jettison their ambition in a show of camaraderie with Pretty whom they said had provided positive direction of the association since mounting the saddle a while ago.

The national conference had in attendance delegates from 24 states of the country with the elections being the highlight of same. Others elected Sunny Neji as first vice president, Zaaky Azaay, second vice president and Tolu Obey-Fabiyi, National Treasurer. The Ex-Official members are Felix Duke, Asha Gangali, Ruggedman , Elvina ibru ,Koffi idowu, 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 so as 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 appreciative of the support he had received from all quarters even as he said that he did not realize that many had been following the activities of his interim executive members that closely, assuring that he 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 its vision and worked hard for its birth. These include Chief (Mrs.) Christy Essien Igbokwe (late), King Sunny Ade (KSA), Evang. Sunny Okosuns (late), Chief Ebenezer Obey, Lemmy Jackson, Tee-Mac Omatshola-Iseli, Emma Ogosi, Laolu Akins, Funmi Adams, Oby Onyioha, Maliki Showman, Harry Mosco, King Pago, Bobby Benson and many others who over the years served the union in various capacities.

Stating what he and his team had achieved in the past 18months, he summarized his plan moving forward and 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.