The Benue State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is set to hold a crucial general meeting today, Saturday, September 20, at Fidel Shamel Music Place, Old Otukpo Road, Makurdi. The gathering comes just days after the state government issued a seven-day ultimatum to rival factions of the association to reconcile their differences or risk withdrawal of recognition.
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According to a notice signed by the chapter’s secretary, Thompson Iber, the meeting – scheduled for 4:00 pm – will bring together musicians, producers, DJs, instrumentalists, and other stakeholders to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the music industry in Benue.
“This meeting is very important as we deliberate on issues that affect the future of our music industry in Benue State. All PMAN members and stakeholders are warmly invited. Let’s come together to move our industry forward,” the notice read in part.
The urgency of the meeting is underscored by the intervention of the state Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, who earlier this week banned all forms of factional and unrecognised leadership structures in youth groups, including PMAN. He directed the Fidel Shamel/Kpoku PLC and Robert Udende factions to reconcile within seven days under a peace process chaired by veteran musician Josef Igomu aka Spitz.
The commissioner’s stance followed years of wrangling between parallel leaderships in PMAN Benue, which stakeholders admit has stunted growth and denied the state access to opportunities available at the national level. Both sides of the divide, including aspirants such as Romeo Nyamatsa and outgoing acting governor Robert Udende, have since publicly pledged to embrace unity.
Today’s general meeting, therefore, is seen as a litmus test of the factions’ willingness to put differences aside and work towards a single, recognised leadership.
Industry watchers believe that if successful, the meeting could set the stage for the much-needed rebirth of PMAN in Benue, allowing the state to benefit from packages promised by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration.
But for many observers, the lingering question remains: will this be the moment when Benue musicians finally sing in one voice, or yet another gathering where divisions resurface?
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