The Plateau State chapter of the Performing Musician Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has recorded a historic milestone with the election of new executives to lead the umbrella body of performing musicians and creatives in the state.
At the keenly contested election held at the Bridge Hotel, Jos, on Saturday, music producer and entertainment entrepreneur Gabriel Hodus Elmore, popularly known as “The Mayor of Jos”, emerged as the new Governor of PMAN Plateau. Elmore secured victory in a peaceful process where 82 accredited members cast their votes.
Speaking after his victory, Elmore expressed optimism about repositioning Plateau as Nigeria’s foremost entertainment hub.
“I feel very happy because this is the beginning of a new era. Plateau used to be an entertainment hub, producing stars like M.I, Jesse Jagz, and the Choc Boys. My mission is to recreate an even bigger version of that era. I have a ten-point agenda to support artists, ensure visibility, and make sure Plateau’s entertainers get the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Trust me, if they don’t ‘blow,’ hold me responsible,” he said.
The election was witnessed by key stakeholders, government representatives, and the entertainment community.
Barr. Ezra Jinang, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, who monitored the process, described the exercise as a landmark for the state’s creative industry.
“This is one of the biggest days for Plateau entertainment. The election shows the industry is taking a giant leap forward. The government is paying attention, and in the coming months, we will host an all-inclusive creative summit and roll out several events to revive Plateau’s glory days,” he noted.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Silas Muhammad Abdulsalam, praised the conduct of the election and emphasized its importance in restoring artists’ rights to choose their leadership.
“For years, leadership was imposed from outside the state. Today’s election proves that musicians on the Plateau can freely choose their leaders. This will serve as a reference point for future elections in the creative sector,” he stated.
Observers from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Obakiyesi Henry, Controller Fed Min of Labour Plateau Labour Office Jos also lauded the peaceful nature of the process, stressing that the contribution of the entertainment sector to Nigeria’s economy remains significant.
Outgoing Governor, Amb. Comrade Humphrey Color, described his tenure as challenging but fulfilling.
“It has been a hectic journey, but I am glad we succeeded in uniting entertainers, creating visibility for PMAN Plateau, and establishing strong relations with government. I am confident the new administration will build on this legacy,” he said.
Artists across the state welcomed the outcome. Female rapper PJ Mistic hailed the process as a “stepping stone” for creatives, while reggae star Jah Device and rapper Lyrical Dr. Smith described it as a unifying moment that could help struggling artists gain access to empowerment opportunities.
The election was widely regarded as one of the fairest in PMAN Plateau’s history. The inauguration of the newly elected executives is expected in the coming days, with prominent personalities and stakeholders set to attend.
