For Nigerian entertainers, it’s a new dawn as the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), led by Mr. Pretty Okafor, rolled out new and improved Biometric ID Card for its members amidst pomp and panache on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.
The launching of the card, which held during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, was done in partnership with Zenith Bank.
Speaking at the event, Okafor said the biometric card would eliminate challenges related to copyright protection and royalty distribution. Other benefits include quick and convenient access to health insurance, legal assistance, pension and issuance of visa at embassies.
The PMAN president also announced the near-completion of a system to partner with other musicians’ bodies from 16 African countries. “In other to address issues of effective copyright protection and efficient royalty distribution, all players in the industry must actively collaborate and speak with one voice,” he said.
Okafor reiterated that the purpose of the biometric ID card is to secure a database that will seamlessly and efficiently administer the over five million members of PMAN in Nigeria. While pledging his determination to continually protect and promote the interest of Nigerian musicians, he urged members to take advantage of the proactive measure by visiting the nearest branch of Zenith Bank, pay a fee of N6,000 and then proceed to register on the PMAN website.
The PMAN boss, who frowned at how Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) rip off musicians in terms of royalty, assured that the biometric card would henceforth afford them the opportunity to monitor their works across the globe.
In his remarks, Zaaki Azay, 2nd vice president, PMAN, described the biometric card as major progress for the association, adding that it was possible because of the synergy and unity of members, as well as a series of court judgments that have authenticated and reaffirmed Pretty Okafor as the PMAN president, while also prohibiting any act of factionalism within the musicians’ union.
In her presentation, Ugochi Onyekwelu, who represented Zenith Bank, said the biometric card would have the feel and look of PMAN as well as perform everything a payment card can do. She explained further that the card would serve the association in three ways: as an identity card for basic payment solution, for capturing data of members for better planning, and for other needs.
“Our cards are contactless solutions and can be used for all transactions both locally and internationally. It will also offer PMAN decentralized offerings as members can get the cards at any of our over 400 branches nationwide,” Onyekwelu stated.
The Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), John Asein, commended Okafor on the unveiling of the card, describing it as “a huge milestone for the association and a signal that PMAN is open for better collaboration with other industry stakeholders like NCC.”
On his part, Registrar of Trade Unions, Amos Falanipe, eulogized PMAN members for finally embracing peace and unity, which has translated to the launch of the biometric card.
Compered by veteran rap artiste, Ruggedman, the event had in attendance musicians, producers, entertainment media and other industry stakeholders including Mr. Segun Runsewe, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), who was ably represented; PMAN’s 1st Vice President, Sunny Nneji; 2nd Vice President, Zaaki Azay; Treasurer, Asha Gangali; General Secretary, Benny Aita; as well as Edo, Bayelsa, Kaduna and Lagos PMAN governors among others.
