
Ibadan, Nigeria – November 12, 2024
– The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is making significant strides in fostering unity and alignment within the Association under the leadership of National President Pretty Okafor.
In a pivotal meeting held in Ibadan, Mr. Okafor met with the Western Zone leadership—including zonal leaders, state chapter governors, and chapter secretaries—to address critical issues affecting members, discuss ongoing challenges, and set forth a path for collaboration and mutual support.
The Western Zone Chapter Governors extended a formal invitation to Mr. Okafor to honour his achievements, particularly lauding the progress of the PMAN Abuja project, the recent acquisition of the Nigerian Music House, and other infrastructure initiatives.
The zone’s leaders also expressed their commitment to supporting Mr. Okafor’s leadership, recognizing his positive impact on PMAN and the broader music community.
Key attendees from the Western Zone included: Dr. Ola Jombo, Chairman, Western Zone; Evangelist Remi Aderoju, Secretary, Western Zone; Comrade Mutiu Ayeloja Manadex, Treasurer, Western Zone; Alhaji Adisa Owala, Chapter Governor, Kwara State; Prince Abiodun Adegoroye, Chapter Governor, Ogun State; Chief Olalere Adankara, Chapter Governor, Ekiti State; Alhaji Azeez Ibrahim, Chapter Governor, Osun State; Comrade Jide Abiade Murphy, Chapter Governor, Ondo State; Comrade Taiwo Omotunde, Chapter Governor, Oyo State; Lola Olamuyiwa, Chapter Governor, Lagos State; Alhaji Tajudeen Olalekan (Loko White), Chapter Secretary, Kwara State; Comrade Adeolu Afolami, Chapter Secretary, Oyo State; Comrade Temitope Opeyemi Ogunjobi, Chapter Secretary, Osun State; and Comrade Olujimi Oyewusi, Chapter Secretary, Ogun State.
They were joined by Elizabeth Khara Gabriel, Esq., Acting General Secretary PMAN; Comrade Kareem Azeez Osoba, Immediate Past Chapter Governor Lagos State; Alhaji Tijani Adesina Fatai, Immediate Past Deputy Chapter Governor Lagos State; Adekunbi Alamu Bamigbaye (“Alhaji Fancy”); Mr. Azubuike Enebeli; and Mr. Henrie Eduozor, Esq.
Meeting Highlights and Discussion
Welcomed by Western Zone Chairman Dr. Ola Jombo and Secretary Evangelist Remi Aderoju, Mr. Okafor expressed gratitude for the warm reception.
“This is my first time attending a Western Zone meeting, and I am here to listen and address any issues impacting our members,” he stated, signalling his commitment to openness and responsiveness.
During an open forum, chapter governors praised Mr. Okafor’s visionary leadership highlights the Association’s accomplishments under his tenure.
They also shared concerns about financial transparency, member support, and effective collaboration between the national body and local chapters.
Governors emphasized the need for greater financial and operational support to empower chapters in serving local members, urging the national body to foster a more inclusive decision-making process.
Attendees voiced a strong desire for a reconciliatory approach, advocating for PMAN’s leadership to bridge rifts and foster inclusivity across all levels of governance.
The leaders proposed several operational improvements, such as strengthening state representation, streamlining local registration processes, and enhancing collaboration with the national office.
They also suggested establishing liaison offices in Abuja and implementing online registration to facilitate easier member access.
Several governors further emphasized the importance of promoting peace and unity, urging PMAN to avoid any actions that could disrupt the Association’s mission.
Concluding the meeting, Mr. Okafor reaffirmed his dedication to addressing the concerns raised, promising enhanced transparency, inclusivity, and a stronger connection between PMAN’s national and local operations.
“I recognize the challenges and grievances you’ve raised today,” he said. “My goal is to bring PMAN closer to its members and to build a stronger, united Association.”
The Western Zone Governors pledged their support for Mr. Okafor’s leadership, expressing a commitment to align with PMAN’s core values and to collaborate actively in advancing the Association’s mission.
This meeting represents a significant milestone for PMAN as it works toward reinforcing support structures and enhancing operational efficiency for its members.
With the Western Zone leaders and other key representatives firmly behind him, Mr. Okafor’s vision for a more unified and effective PMAN appears well within reach.
News Source:
Elizabeth Khara Gabriel, Esq., Acting General Secretary, PMAN