VIDEO NEWS: First Female Talking Drummer, Ara Sworn As Governor For PMAN By National President, Pretty Okafor.

Pretty Okafor & Ara Olamuyiwa.

The National President of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association Of Nigeria, PMAN Dr. Pretty Okafor, yesterday in Lagos, swore in the newly appointed Governor for PMAN Lagos, Ara Olamuyiwa, popularly known as Ara.

The event which took place at the magnificent Music House PMAN National Headquarters, opened a new chapter for the home of entertainment in Lagos as a new chapter supposedly opens for the moribund PMAN Lagos State with her appointment ushering in a breath of fresh air for members across the country who see Lagos as home.

You would recall that on the 17^th of September 2023, “Precious Eze’s Blog” exclusively reported the appointment by the able National President of PMAN, Pretty Okafor of Ara as the Governor to oversee the affairs of the Music Union body in Lagos State, stating that he found in her, the qualities befitting a Governor in her and so was she appointed, but he needed to make this appointment official and yesterday, Aralola Olamuyiwa was inaugurated and her certificate of appointment presented to her by the National President himself.

In her acceptance speech, the Governor says, “Our main thrust is to create a new and vibrant chapter, with emphasis on the vibrant, because, this is Lagos and we've got the vibes! We no dey dull! Here's what to look out for, as I spearhead the affairs here, -An increase in our activities with the objective of raising the brand's profile and repositioning PMAN in Lagos as a benchmark for others, -A coordinated membership drive focused on active participation based on an enlightened, self-interest and an -Institution of a united front of artistes and entertainers, as well as other professionals within our space with our commitment being to ensure that no member is left behind” and you may ask how I will achieve these?

Here is how, Ara continues, with the support of our friends and colleagues. And most importantly, by the sheer force of revolution, motivated by talents and creativity that we can't afford to waste. Neither can we afford to fail.

Speaking to the Media after her inauguration, the new Governor of PMAN Lagos, Aralola Olamuyiwa, said “I have numerous plans, with the top priority being to create awareness for PMAN in Lagos and to engage the Gen Z artists and every artist in Lagos, including managers, in becoming a part of PMAN. This will enable us to advance our careers as one of PMAN’s primary goals is to protect musicians and our music”.

According to her, what happened to the late Mohbad might have been prevented if there was a functional PMAN chapter in Lagos, which was the jurisdiction. We need to address this issue and focus on raising awareness, sensitizing, and educating young talents entering the music industry. They need to be informed, not just about the glamour but also trained on various aspects of the trade.

The National President of PMAN, Dr. Pretty Okafor told "Precious Eze's Blog" exclusively that his choice for Ara over other candidates presented to him was because, he wasn't ready to let PMAN Lagos continue to be moribund as it had been over 14yrs ago, so, he decided to choose some with the capacity to lead and whose dealings he had seen in the past as the choice to do the work.