Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has defended the appointment of Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji artiste popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Keyamo described the role as unpaid community service rather than a prestigious position with perks.
On August 5, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, which was linked to the disorderly conduct of KWAM 1, who was on board the flight.
Keyamo had directed the agency to place the musician on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident.
The NCAA also petitioned the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and the inspector-general of police (IGP) to investigate the incident involving the airline and the Fuji musician.
Earlier today, the minister announced that KWAM 1 has been appointed as an ambassador as part of measures to ensure celebrities promote proper conduct at airports across the country.
In a subsequent post on X, Keyamo likened the ambassadorial role to voluntary community service, adding that the position carries no salary or official benefits.
He said it is common practice worldwide for repentant offenders to publicly advocate against the misconduct they once engaged in.
The minister said previous governments have similarly assigned such roles to repentant individuals.
“For further clarification, it is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented,” Keyamo wrote.
“It is akin to Community Service. It is not paid for and it is voluntary service. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office.
“No, it is not. It is for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria, and it will not be the last. Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria. ”
Keyamo also revealed that the aviation agencies are considering appointing Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who was accused of assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, as an ambassador for good passenger conduct on behalf of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
He said the details of her appointment are being worked out by the AON.
“Whilst the aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct,” he added.
“It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement.”
Addressing critics, Keyamo maintained that the government’s decisions have been fair and transparent.
“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” he said.
