FG to Name KWAM 1 Aviation Security Protocol Ambassador After Airport Incident
The Federal Government is set to engage Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security conduct following recent controversy over his behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement addressing recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to cut KWAM 1’s initial six-month flight ban to one month and collaborate with him to promote awareness of acceptable conduct within the aviation sector. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will spearhead the engagement process.
“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.
According to Keyamo, the decision followed appeals from respected individuals and KWAM 1’s public apology over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
The development comes days after the musician issued a public apology, explaining that the flask he carried on the day contained water for medical purposes, not alcohol as alleged by security officials.
Keyamo stressed that the clemency was granted on compassionate grounds but maintained that the government would continue to enforce aviation safety and security laws.
On August 5, KWAM 1 was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on security personnel, and later walking onto the tarmac to block a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing. The NCAA initially described his actions as a breach of aviation safety regulations, placing him on a six-month no-fly list and filing a criminal complaint with the police.
