The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has given reasons why the Federal Government decided to make musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
His clarification followed outrage from the public.
Earlier on Wednesday, Keyamo confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month.
He also noted that the musician would work with the NCAA to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.
KWAM 1 was initially handed a six-month ban after he obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
Justifying the decision on his official X handle on Wednesday, Keyamo wrote, “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 a 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 free. It is not the first time it has happened in Nigeria, and it will not be the last. Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.”
