The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), South-West Zone, has ushered in a new era with the election of a fresh Executive Council charged with repositioning the association and advancing the interests of musicians across the region.
The election was held on August 25, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, with PMAN Governors and Secretaries from all seven South-West states in attendance.
The election brought together key stakeholders from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos and Kwara states, in a demonstration of unity and renewed commitment to the development of the music industry.
Those in attendance included Oyo State PMAN Governor, Comrade Taiwo Omotunde; Ondo State Governor, Comrade Jide Murphy Abiade; Ogun State Governor, Comrade Prince Abiodun Adebayo Adegoroye, popularly known as Abbey Simo; Ekiti State Governor, Comrade Chief Olalere Adankanra; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Adisa Owala; Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Fatai Tijani; and Osun State Governor, Sir Tayo Akinbade.
The state secretaries present were Comrade Psalmist Dr Adeolu Afolami of Oyo State; Comrade Tope Ogunjobi of Osun; Comrade Ben Ikuejamofo of Ondo; Comrade Christopher Aduroja of Ekiti; Comrade Monsuru Ewetade of Lagos; Comrade Ejire Adetoro of Kwara; and Comrade Olujimi Oyewusi of Ogun State.
At the event, the outgoing Chairman, Dr Ola Jombo, expressed appreciation to the PMAN Governors and their secretaries for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.
Jombo urged the newly elected executive members to remain committed to their responsibilities and place the welfare and progress of the association above personal interests.
Similarly, the outgoing Secretary, Baale Comrade Evangelist Remi Aderoju, thanked members for their support during the outgoing administration, while encouraging the new leadership to build on the achievements recorded by their predecessors.
Following the election, Comrade Mutiu Ayeloja, popularly known as Manadex, emerged as the new Chairman of PMAN South-West Zone.
Other members of the newly constituted Executive Council are Comrade Taiwo Omotunde as Deputy Chairman; Comrade Jide Murphy Abiade as Secretary; Prince Abiodun Adebayo Adegoroye (Abbey Simmo) as Financial Secretary; Alhaji Adisa Owala as Treasurer; Sir Tayo Akinbade as Welfare/Social Officer; Comrade Olalere Adankanra as Organising Secretary; and Alhaji Fatai Tijani as Public Relations Officer.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Comrade Mutiu Ayeloja (Manadex), expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him.
Ayeloja pledged to work closely with members of the new Executive Council to strengthen PMAN, promote the welfare of musicians and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Nigeria’s music industry.
The new leadership is expected to focus on fostering greater unity among musicians, protecting the interests of practitioners and creating a stronger platform for the advancement of the creative industry across the South-West and beyond.