Actress Iyabo Ojo has said her recent promotional video highlighting activities of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was done without payment and was not politically motivated.
The video, which circulated on social media last week, showed the actress praising improvements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. It drew mixed reactions online, with some users questioning her intentions because of her previously known political stance.
In the caption attached to the viral video on Instagram, Iyabo 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 reactions prompted clarification from FAAN managing director Olubunmi Kuku, who denied claims that the actress had been engaged as an ambassador or paid for the promotion.
“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,” she stated.
Responding to the backlash on Instagram on Sunday, Iyabo explained that she agreed to speak about the improvements after receiving approval to film at the airport.
“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.
“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 added.
She also said, “I praise GOOD — not government, and if the government does good, I’ll praise them too. My loyalty? To my country. Always.”
Iyabo further stated that she is open to working with any political group if it contributes to national development, saying, “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.”
The actress has been vocal on social and political issues in recent years, including during the EndSARS protests and the 2023 general elections, which partly explains the strong reactions that followed the video online.
