Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained why the Federal Government appointed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
His clarification came in response to public criticism following the announcement.
Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced KWAM 1’s initial six-month flight ban to one month. As part of the resolution, the singer will collaborate with the NCAA to raise awareness about proper behaviour within the aviation sector.
Justifying the move in a statement on X, Keyamo said it is a common global practice for repentant offenders to publicly speak against the very conduct they engaged in similar to community service.
“This is not a paid role; it is voluntary,” he noted. “Unfortunately, in Nigeria, people often assume that being called an ‘Ambassador’ comes with a big position and benefits. That’s not the case here. It’s free, and it’s not the first or last time such a role will be given to a repentant person by a government.”