Wednesday June 17, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has appointed a new interim administrator for its Akwa Ibom State Chapter, as part of efforts to restore effective administration and reposition the union for greater impact in the entertainment industry.
Inemesit Akpan, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists, said his administration would focus on restoring the association to prominence through talent development, members’ welfare and strategic partnerships.
According to him, the union had lost its vibrancy over the years and efforts would be made to reposition it and bring musicians back together.
“I am looking forward to bringing PMAN back to the stage and limelight. We intend to organise shows, bring musicians on board and discover raw talents; refine them and expose them to the world, just as we did in the past,” he said.
Speaking on the challenges that previously affected the union, Akpan explained that misunderstandings at the national level had been resolved through legal processes.
He noted that the National Industrial Court had affirmed Mr. Pretty Okafor as National President of PMAN, thereby restoring stability to the association.
On plans to promote young talents, Akpan said the state chapter would collaborate with relevant government agencies, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and seek support from Governor Umo Eno, whom he described as entertainment-friendly.
He assured of working alongside Governor’s senior aide on Entertainment, David Sergeant aka Utang Akwa Ibom, Godfada Uko, and other foresighted entertainers to achieve his goals for the state.
He expressed confidence that such partnerships would help identify and nurture talented musicians across the state.
The newly appointed administrator also pledged to prioritise members’ welfare by pursuing healthcare support and medical insurance schemes through collaborations with the Akwa Ibom State Government, multinational organisations and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to him, PMAN would leverage its internal resources and external partnerships to ensure members enjoy improved healthcare benefits.
On immediate priorities, Akpan said his administration would embark on consultations aimed at reuniting members who had drifted away from the association and restoring confidence in the union.
He added that prudent financial management, including the utilisation of PMAN’s cooperative system and support from organisations willing to assist the association, would help provide sustainable funding.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Akpan said he never lobbied for the position but responded to what he described as a call to service by the national leadership, which recognised his previous contributions to the union.
He appealed to musicians in Akwa Ibom to support efforts to rebuild the association and also extended an olive branch to Evangelist Joshua Offiong, urging him to remain calm and cooperate with the new administration.
Meanwhile, an appointment letter dated May 19, 2026, and signed by PMAN National President, Pretty Okafor, and Acting General Secretary, Elizabeth Gabriel, Esq., confirmed Akpan’s appointment.
The letter stated that the decision followed a resolution reached by the National Executive Council during its meeting of May 17, 2026, aimed at restoring effective administration, constitutional order and stability in affected state chapters.
According to the letter, Akpan is to assume leadership of the Akwa Ibom chapter following the removal of former Chapter Administrator, Joshua Offiong, pursuant to the adoption of the report of the National Disciplinary Committee by the National Executive Council.
The national body described the appointment as administrative and transitional, stressing that it would remain subject to the directives and supervision of the National Executive Council.
PMAN expressed confidence that Akpan would provide stability, seriousness and responsible leadership for the Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
