..Reveals airline operators to consider Comfort as ambassador
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the decision to appoint repentant offenders as ambassadors for good conduct, stating that the practice aligns with global rehabilitation methods.
His remarks followed public outrage over plans to involve musician KWAM1 and recently released offender Comfort Emmanson in advocacy campaigns.
The debate stemed from a recent incident involving Emmanson, who was arrested after a viral video showed her assaulting a fellow passenger mid-flight.
The altercation, which occurred on a domestic Nigerian airline, sparked outrage and renewed discussions about passenger conduct. Emmanson later expressed remorse, leading to her release from custody.
In response, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) reportedly considered appointing her as an ambassador to promote proper passenger behaviour—a move that drew criticism from some quarters.
Similarly, KWAM1, a Fuji musician who previously faced legal troubles, is being considered for a similar role by aviation authorities.
Keyamo, in a statement, clarified that such appointments were voluntary and unpaid, comparing them to community service rather than formal ambassadorial positions. He emphasised that the practice was not new in Nigeria, citing past instances where repentant individuals were enlisted to discourage misconduct.
“While critics may question this approach, we believe it is a fair and practical way to foster positive change,” Keyamo said. “This is not about rewarding wrongdoing but encouraging reform.”
The authorities maintain that the strategy is part of broader efforts to improve public conduct within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The minister wrote on his X account:
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 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 for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last . Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.
Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct. It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement.
Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all.
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