In a passionate New Year’s message, Pretty Okafor, the President of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), highlighted the Association's achievements under his leadership, addressed ongoing disputes, and reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and welfare of Nigerian musicians.
Read full speech below
NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS BY MR PRETTY OKAFOR, PRESIDENT OF THE PERFORMING MUSICIANS EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (PMAN)
Fellow musicians in Nigeria and across the world, I welcome you all into this New Year with high hopes and strong determination. May this season bring forth renewed vigor and fresh opportunities for every member of our illustrious Association. It is my earnest desire that as we forge ahead, we do so with unity, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the growth and development of our beloved music industry.
Since August 20, 2024, some group of disgruntled members attempted to unconstitutionally suspend me from office on trumped-up accusations that are yet to be substantiated up till this day. Also, in addition to the sham illegal and void suspension—especially owing to the fact that they failed to follow the PMAN (2023 As Amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 As Amended), and failing to possess the requisite quorum amongst other things—the National Executive Council (NEC) of PMAN, in accordance with the Constitution of PMAN, immediately stepped in and arrested the situation. What has followed since that August 23, 2024 up until this day has been a barrage of attacks on my person. I have been made to look like a criminal in various press releases and interviews. Members of my family were not left out. Some of the members of the National Executive Council (NEC) have also had their fair share of these bullying, harassment, and defamation.
As we all know, the suspended and dismissed NWC took the matter to court and, as a result, the matter is sub judice. In recent times, Mr. Emma Agu—a Nigerian musician who resides in New York—has attempted to mischaracterize events and further incited Nigerian musicians to take the National Secretariat by force, an action that clearly contravenes the laws of Nigeria and New York where he resides. These suspended and dismissed members, in collusion with a certain police formation, went as far as obtaining a fake court order from a clerk in an Upper Sharia Court III in Minna, Niger State. The purpose of that court was to restrict my bank accounts and order for my arrest should I go to any of the banks to transact on the accounts. The implicated court clerk has since been dismissed by the Niger State Judicial Service Commission. This development has been corroborated by the Chief Registrar of the Sharia Court in Niger State. Presently, a petition addressing this brazen misconduct is before the Inspector General of Police, with notices served to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Commissioner of Justice, Niger State.
Despite these challenges, I have continued to pursue the interest of the Association in the most fierce and passionate way possible. It is on record that it is under my stewardship that PMAN acquired its first building, which it now boasts of as its National Secretariat in Chevy View Estate, Lagos. The same building houses our radio station, which boasts of a state-of-the-art radio transmission system. We are awaiting the issuance of our broadcast license.
Also, it is on record that it is under my stewardship that our land in Abuja was recovered and subsequently, the Abuja Property Development project commenced sometime in 2023. The essence of the Abuja Property Development has been communicated on several occasions. The project boasts of state-of-the-art real estate mixed-use properties that would also comprise malls, residential apartments, radio and TV stations, hotels, concert halls, and several other facilities which are positioned to generate income for the Association and begin to position the Association to become involved in healthcare, scholarships, and training of our members. It is also on record that under my stewardship, we have partnered with a Brazilian businessman to fund the Abuja Property Development.
PMAN is currently involved in international discussions and in forging strategic alliances and partnerships that are geared towards improving the welfare and professional development of musicians in Nigeria. Similar projects are currently being planned in collaboration with PMAN Chapter Governors in the six geographic regions. In spite of all these, I continue to face challenges that seek to undermine my person and my efforts for the Association.
One thing is certain: the truth is not something that can be hidden. Like light, it will shine forth. On my part, I will do everything legally possible to clear my name. I will remain steadfast in my mission to deliver a PMAN that is enviable amongst its peers across the world. I also want to encourage all members to remain vigilant, committed, and steadfast as we navigate through these difficult and challenging times.
This New Year presents us with an opportunity to rise above every distraction and focus on our shared vision. Our collective success as musicians and stakeholders in the creative industry depends on our unity, our determination to uphold the truth, and our readiness to sustain and expand the milestones we have achieved. I assure you that we will not relent in defending the integrity of our Association and in ensuring that the rights of every musician under PMAN are fully protected.
As we enter this new chapter, let us embrace the spirit of togetherness. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building an Association that stands at the forefront of excellence, creating lasting value for Nigerian musicians, and bringing pride to our country on the international stage. In the face of adversity, we must remain courageous and steadfast, ever ready to rise above these trying times.
I wish you all a prosperous New Year filled with progress, success, and groundbreaking accomplishments in your careers and personal lives.
PMAN, One Love!
Long live PMAN!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed
Mr. Pretty Okafor
President, PMAN
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