The Edo Entertainment Magazine has been described as a cultural archive, a rallying point, and a market place of ideas that will put the narratives of the state’s entertainment industry in it proper perspective.
It is also a platform dedicated to celebrate, preserve and project the extraordinary creativity that flows from Edo State into the world.
These were the exact words of the Governor, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Edo State and Editor-in-chief of the magazine, Comrade Willy Eghe-Nova during the Celebration of his Service in PMAN/Awards, unveiling of the magazine and Album in Benin City.
According to him, “the magazine seeks to tell our story with dignity, to shed light on hidden talents and to offer opportunities for collaboration, investment and growth of the entertainment industry.
Eghe-Nova said the Magazine was conceived to change some contrived narratives and spotlight our talents, forster unity in the industry, and preserve our cultural pride for posterity.
Edo he said is blessed with abundant talents in the field of music, filmmaking, comedy, dancing, fashion designing who collectively use their talents to tell our story to the delight of patrons of our cultural artistry. He however said too often their contributions have gone under-recognized.
Having served PMAN at various capacities, for upward of eleven years, Eghe-Nova said he would be bequeathing a legacy of service built on integrity to the association part of which was the successful conduct of election for a new executive committee to take over from him.
Eghe-Nova commended the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Amb. Dion Osagie for his idea that birthed the magazine and Dr. Amos Abu, life Patron, PMAN Edo State, for his interest in the activities of PMAN.
The chairman of the event, Double Chief Amb. Dion Osagie described the magazine as a medium that will promote the cultural heritage of the state and contribute immensely to its economy.
On his part Dr. Amos Abu who was honoured for his immense support for the less privileged and promotion of Edo Arts and culture, described the establishment of the magazine as timely as it would serve as veritable platform to promote the entertainment industry and hospitality businesses in Edo State.
Dr. Abu, a Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist at the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development, (IBRD), Washington DC, USA, expressing his gratitude for the recognition and promised to always support Edo PMAN.
He advised the incoming PMAN executive to carry elders in the profession along in their scheme of things, just as he advocated for the establishment of an endowment fund to cater for the elderly in the music industry.
On his part, music sensation, comedian, Maleke Moyen, predecessor to Comrade Willy Eghe-Nova as Edo PMAN Governor who was equally honored with award of excellence described the publisher of the magazine as a talented person whose idea brought this laudable project to fruition.
Other persons who received awards at the event include Chief Dr. Omogiade Edokpolo, Hon. Friday Aiguokhian, Queen Obatta and many others.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to other deserving individuals who have contributed to the entertainment industry.
The occasion also featured PMAN Band and guest artistes live-on-stage, including the unveiling of the magazine and album titled: Awua Edo.
