JUST IN: Aviation Minister, Keyamo explains KWAM 1’s, Emmason’s new appointments
By Charity Uwakwe
Festive Kemayo has explained says KWAM 1 will work as an Ambassador for free whereas Emmason will be appointed by AON
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has elucidated the nature of Fuji legend KWAM 1’s proposed role as an airport security protocol ambassador.
Famousreporters.com reports referencing Daily Trust.
Keyamo stressed that the role is strictly voluntary, offering no financial reward or formal appointment. The engagement comes after the federal government reduced KWAM 1’s suspension from air travel—originally six months—to one month, following a confrontation with ValueJet staff on the Abuja–Lagos route.
The Minister said this leniency was extended alongside a pardon for Comfort Emmanson, who faced a separate unruly conduct case. Her charges were withdrawn, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) may also involve her in an airport conduct awareness role.
This implies that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will have KWAM 1 promote compliance with airport security procedures. Emmanson’s possible role would mirror his in purpose, targeting better passenger behaviour.
However, the appointments have got tongues wagging, as why they argue the why of the gestures.
This is even as some see it as a positive use of public figures to promote order, while others question giving ambassadorial titles to individuals who once broke the rules. The Minister said misconceptions about the role—particularly the assumption that it comes with privileges—have fuelled the criticism.
Speaking on his verified X account,
Keyamo pointed out that using reformed offenders for public awareness is common internationally and has precedent in Nigeria. He noted that past governments had adopted similar measures to encourage reform.
Both roles, he reiterated, will be unpaid and are intended to harness the ambassadors’ reach to stress the importance of airport protocols. By turning personal mistakes into teaching points, the Ministry hopes to reduce future misconduct and promote accountability.
Keyamo concluded that such initiatives combine discipline with opportunities for rehabilitation, setting a possible precedent for handling similar cases going forward.
RECALL
The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music legend KWAM 1 as an ambassador to promote airport security protocols.
KWAM 1 role is to work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to educate the public on proper airport behavior and security procedures.
BACKGROUND
This decision follows an incident on August 5 where KWAM 1 allegedly disrupted the operations of a ValueJet aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was initially banned from flying for six months and faced criminal charges.
However, after publicly apologizing, KWAM 1’s flight ban was reduced to one month, and the criminal charges were dropped. He will now partner with FAAN to promote airport security awareness without receiving payment, as a form of community service.
The objective of this appointment is to leverage KWAM 1’s influence to improve passenger adherence to safety and security procedures at Nigerian airports.
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, therefore, emphasized that the decision was made on compassionate grounds but stressed that aviation safety and security laws will still be strictly enforced. The ministry plans to hold a retreat to retrain security personnel on handling unruly passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
