The Plateau State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has achieved a historic milestone with the successful election of new executives to lead the umbrella body of performing musicians and creatives in the state.

At the keenly contested polls held on Saturday at the Bridge Hotel, Jos, entertainment entrepreneur and music producer 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 that saw 82 accredited members cast their votes.

In his acceptance speech, Elmore pledged to reposition 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 exercise drew the presence of government representatives, key stakeholders, and members of the entertainment community.

Barr. Ezra Jinang, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, who monitored the election, described it as a landmark moment 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,” Jinang noted.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Silas Muhammad Abdulsalam, also lauded the process, emphasizing its role in restoring artists’ rights to freely 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, led by Obakiyesi Henry, Controller, Plateau Labour Office, commended the peaceful nature of the election, stressing the importance of the entertainment industry in Nigeria’s economy.

Outgoing Governor, Amb. Comrade Humphrey Color, reflected on his tenure as both challenging and rewarding.

“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.

Across the state, artists welcomed the outcome with optimism. Female rapper PJ Mistic described it as a “stepping stone” for creatives, while reggae star Jah Device and rapper Lyrical Dr. Smith hailed it as a unifying moment that could open doors to empowerment opportunities for struggling talents.

The election has been widely regarded as one of the fairest in the history of PMAN Plateau. The inauguration of the newly elected executives is expected in the coming days, with prominent personalities and stakeholders billed to attend.