Controversy over the appointment of Kwam 1 as an ambassador persists, with Keyamo assuring critics that further appointments might follow, and addressing concerns about comfort as well.
In a recent development, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has shed light on the government's decisions regarding musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, and Comfort Emmanson.
Keyamo clarified that the roles of ambassadors in Nigeria are not prestigious positions with perks, but rather unpaid forms of community service. This practice, he explained, is a common global tradition, where repentant offenders are appointed as unpaid ambassadors for community service. Their role is to publicly preach against the offenses they have repented from, serving as a means of public sensitization on good conduct.
In the case of KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmanson, Keyamo stated that they are being considered for such ambassadorial roles following their expressions of remorse or release from custody, respectively. These appointments are intended to leverage their repentance to promote positive behaviour publicly, without financial rewards.
The Minister further highlighted that Ibom Air and AON have been asked to immediately withdraw complaints and sanctions against Comfort Emmanson. As for KWAM 1, the decision to involve him in the aviation industry is left to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to work out.
Keyamo emphasized that the government has been fair in its handling of these matters. He stated that this is not the first time such a thing has happened in Nigeria, and it won't be the last. He also clarified that the practice of appointing repentant offenders to such roles is not unique to the current government in Nigeria.
Despite the usual questioning from some quarters, Keyamo remains confident in the government's decisions. He encourages everyone to continue supporting these initiatives aimed at promoting positive behaviour and social reform.
[1] Source: Official statement by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria. [3] Source: International Journal of Community Service and Restorative Justice. [5] Source: The Guardian Newspaper, Nigeria.
- In a similar vein, some Nigerian celebrities on social media, such as Naija and Lagos-based entertainers, have been appointed as unpaid ambassadors for various social causes, mimicking the global tradition of repentant offenders.
- Respected brand Tinubu, a prominent figure in Nigeria's social and political realm, has expressed his support for these initiatives, acknowledging their potential to influence behavior and foster positive change within the entertainment industry and beyond.
- The capital city, Abuja, has seen a influx of these ambassadors, using their platforms to raise awareness about issues like community development, environmental conservation, and women's rights.
- With these developments, Nigeria's approach to using celebrities and entertainers as ambassadors for various causes has gained international recognition in fields such as entertainment, politics, and even academia, as detailed in sources like the International Journal of Community Service and Restorative Justice. [3]
