Viral FAAN campaign free, not political, says Iyabo Ojo

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has clarified that her recent promotional video highlighting activities of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was done without payment and was not politically motivated.

The video, which surfaced online last week, showed the actress praising improvements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, triggering mixed reactions on social media given her previously known political stance.

In the caption attached to the viral video on Instagram, Ojo wrote, “FAAN is changing for the better in so many ways. Besides the renovation of the MMIA Lagos Terminal 1 and the beauty & comfort of Terminal 2, the service of their Protocol Team is exceptional. I’m so proud of my country.”

The post sparked debate among users, with some questioning why the actress, who was openly critical of the APC government during the 2020 EndSARS protests and supported Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, appeared to be promoting a federal agency under the current administration.

Amid the controversy, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, dismissed claims that Ojo had been appointed as a brand ambassador or awarded any contract by the authority.

“Iyabo Ojo was not ‘awarded a gig’ by FAAN, nor is she an Ambassador.

“She was only asked to raise awareness on transformational initiatives under this same Tinubu administration at the airport while shooting a movie scene. There was no financial incentive,” Kuku stated on her verified X account.

I’m Nigerian. And I’m a voice. When I see progress — airports upgraded, roads rebuilt, systems improved — I shout it from the rooftops, if need be, not because I’m paid, not because I’m political, but because I feel it and I want good for my country,” she wrote.

According to the actress, she had received approval to film her movie project at the airport when FAAN requested that she help amplify visible changes.

“FAAN approached me: You’ve seen the changes, please help us spread the word. So I did. FOR FREE. No fee. No contract. Just love for Nigeria,” she said.

Ojo stressed that her decision was driven by patriotism rather than political alignment.

“I praise GOOD — not government, and if the government does good, I’ll praise them too. My loyalty? To my country. Always.”

She added that she remains open to collaborating with any political group if it contributes to national development.

Cu I’ll work with any political party — as long as it’s about building a better tomorrow for our dear nation. No hate. No agenda. Just hands joined

Culled from punch