By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has appealed to the Abia State Government to support its plan to build a music academy and transform the state into a creative talent development hub.

The Abia PMAN Governor, Chief Ejeh Williams, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia, Dr. Caleb Ajagba, at the Government House, Umuahia.

Williams said that the group was desirous to collaborate with the government to execute its initiatives aimed at empowering young musicians and boosting the entertainment economy of Abia.

He commended the present administration’s rebuilding agenda and emphasised PMAN’s readiness to complement the government’s efforts through talent development and social impact projects.

He said: “We are here to formally introduce PMAN to the government of Abia and also lay down our development template.

“We believe that a partnership between PMAN and the state will yield tremendous benefit for the youths and entertainment industry.”

Williams also said that the association had plan to commence a “Talent Hunt” initiative, a key project that would focus on talent discovery and empowerment platform designed to give Abia youths a voice through music.

According to him, the programme also aims to combat drug abuse and other social vices by channelling youths’ energy into creative expression.

He said that as part of PMAN’s long-term vision, efforts by the association were on for the establishment of a world-class music academy and recording studio in Abia.

Williams said that the association had already secured two potential investors willing to fund the project once the State Government allocated land for the project.

“We are requesting just two hectares of land to build what we are calling the ‘Abia State Music House’, a talent development centre and modern music school that will attract investment and serve all the 17 LGAs.

“It will also serve as a revenue-generating avenue for the government, as we are ready to remit a portion of our proceeds into the state’s coffers,” he said.

Williams further appealed to the government to involve PMAN members in state-sponsored entertainment events.

He said that local talents were often sidelined in favour of artists from outside the state and described the practice as counterproductive.

“We have close to 25,000 musicians in Abia, both registered and unregistered, and many of them are highly talented and deserve to be empowered.

“When outsiders are brought in and paid large sums, it demoralises local artists.

We believe these same funds can be used to empower our people,” he said.

Williams urged the State Government to consider PMAN as a strategic partner in youth development and entertainment.

He expressed the confidence that with government’s support, Abia could become Nigeria’s leading entertainment destination.

Responding, Ajagba expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the state’s creative sector and pledged stronger collaboration with the body.

He commended the association for its goodwill, support, and dedication to promoting culture through music.

He described their engagement as timely and long due, highlighting the crucial role of PMAN in preserving and projecting Abia’s rich cultural identity.

Ajagba expressed optimism about the association’s proposal to establish a world-class music school in Abia and urged it to present a clear framework, land requirements, and investor-ready documentation.

He said, “The state’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, along with the state’s Investment Promotion Agency, will provide the necessary support for the project.”

He also cautioned against allowing foreign entertainers to dominate local spaces but admitted that local artists must be better organised and ready to seize opportunities in the fast-transforming state. (NAN)