FG appoints Kwam 1 as ambassador for airport security after unruly conduct
Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as K1
Abdullateef Fowewe
Following the recent unruly conduct case involving Nigerian music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as Kwam 1, the Federal Government has named him an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
This decision according to the statement by the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, comes after a thorough review of the incident that involved the ValueJet flight and Kwam 1, reflecting a new approach to handling such security breaches while emphasizing public safety and aviation regulations.
The Minister also announced a reduction of Kwam 1’s flight ban to a one-month period stressing that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will collaborate with the music star to use his influence in promoting adherence to airport security measures.
As part of the resolution, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will also withdraw its previously lodged criminal complaints against Kwam 1 following his public demonstration of penitence.
In a related development, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet will have their licenses restored after a one-month ban, subject to successfully undergoing mandatory professional re-appraisal.
The NCAA will provide further details on this process soon.
In response to these incidents, all relevant aviation agencies, along with other government bodies, have been directed to hold a retreat starting next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and strategies for de-escalating potential conflicts.
“The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions,” he stated.
Additionally, airline operators will conduct sessions focusing specifically on the conduct and attitude of their staff towards travelers, reinforcing customer service and professionalism.
Keyamo emphasised the government’s stance, saying, “These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved.”
He further highlighted that the measures send “a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
