Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal aka Kwam 1, has been appointed an ambassador for airport security and passenger conduct by the Federal Government, days after a confrontation on a ValueJet flight.
The announcement was made Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following consultations with aviation authorities and a review of recent incidents involving unruly passengers, including Kwam 1 and Comfort Emmanson.
Keyamo said the incidents, though regrettable, have shown the need for travellers to follow airport rules and behave properly.
The ValueJet incident happened on August 5 when Kwam 1 reportedly refused to hand over a flask believed to contain alcohol, claiming it held prescribed medication. The flight crew accused him of obstructing takeoff and removed him from the plane.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) initially filed a complaint against Kwam 1 and imposed a flight ban. After reviewing the case, the NCAA reduced the ban to one month, withdrew the criminal complaint, and confirmed Kwam 1’s new role as an ambassador to promote airport rules.
Two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident were also suspended for one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with Kwam 1 in his new role to educate passengers on proper conduct and airport security.
Keyamo said the decisions were taken on compassionate grounds, stressing that aviation safety and passenger discipline remain a top priority.
