Thursday, August 14, 2025 - The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the planned appointment of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador is not a paid job but the duty he would discharge for free.
Keyamo had earlier today announced the decision of the
federal government to reduce the six-month flight ban placed on the singer to
one month following his altercation with ValueJet crew during an Abuja-Lagos
flight Last Tuesday. He also announced that the singer will be appointed an
airport security protocol ambassador, a decision some Nigerians have strongly
criticized.
Responding to the critics, Keyamo in a statement released
this evening, said it is a common practice globally to use a repentant offender
to preach against the conduct for which he has shown remorse.
Keyamo also hinted that Comfort Emmanson, the young lady who
also had a faceoff with Ibom Air hostesses and got remanded in prison for,
might be engaged by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) as an Ambassador,
insisting the federal government has been fair to all.
His post read
‘’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.
“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.
“Whilst the
usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly
believe we have been fair to all.”
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