Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the appointment of Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol is voluntary and carries no benefits.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on X on Wednesday, Keyamo noted that it is a communal service that carries no benefits.
He said, “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.”
“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.”
The move follows an August 5 incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in which KWAM 1 portrayed disorderly conduct on a ValueJet flight.
The incident led to the suspension of two pilots and a petition to the attorney-general and inspector-general of police by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Keyamo explained that appointing KWAM 1 was part of efforts to use celebrity influence to encourage proper behaviour at airports, noting that previous Nigerian governments had given similar advocacy roles to repentant individuals.
The minister also revealed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) may appoint Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
He said, “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.”
“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 added, “Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all.”
