
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has urged the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria, PMAN, in the state to consciously cultivate partnership with the media.
He spoke at the opening ceremony of the annual general meeting of the association yesterday at the J S Tarka Foundation, in Makurdi.
Represented by his Principal Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism, Mr Tahav Agerzua, Governor Ortom stressed that the partnership was vital for the projection of the productions of members.
He stated that PMAN has abundant talented artistes who have produced outstanding creative works that need adequate publicity to get the desired attention and appropriate patronage hence the need for the partnership.
Governor Ortom also appealed to the media to develop more interest in reporting upcoming artistes and PMAN activities in the state.
He expressed appreciation to members of the association for highlighting the prospects and challenges of the state in their music and for their support in difficult moments and urged that these be sustained.
National Secretary of PMAN, Mr. Boniface Itodo, popularly known as Aita Bonny, urged members to be committed to the progress of the association and assured that several indigenes of the state including Tuface Idibia, Zaaki Azzay and himself who are on the national executive council would always protect their interest.
He said the leadership of the association has created a social media platform where members can upload their works to various marketing sites around the globe and also receive royalties in the comfort of their rooms and urged the state chapter to take advantage of the development.
Incoming Governor of the association in the state, Mr. Fabian Yaga, promised a new dawn in its affairs and solicited unity among members.
Highlights of the occasion included performance by several artistes.