The Convener, Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum (SMEF), Prince Dan Olaitan Dada has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, for deploying new armoured patrol vans across the state.
Prince Dan Dada Olaitan, Convener, SMEF
Prince Dada in a statement described the Governor’s declaration that “No price is too high for security” as leadership with responsibility.
He said the move reflects a government that understands the sanctity of human life and the direct link between security, economic growth, and citizen dignity.
This is sanity in governance in action. When a governor prioritizes the safety of his people above cost, he is setting a moral standard. Kogi’s highways and borders are transit routes for millions. Armoured patrols on those flashpoints will reduce kidnapping, banditry, and the illegal roadblocks that extort our citizens daily.”
SMEF REAFFIRMS ITS ADVOCACY OBJECTIVES:
Prince Dada reiterated that SMEF, a CAC-registered non-profit advocacy forum, exists to pursue six core objectives:
1. Road Safety & Transport Governance Advocacy – Ending illegal roadblocks, extortion, and harassment on highways.
2. Citizen Engagement & Sensitization – Educating Nigerians on rights, responsibilities, and lawful reporting.
3. Anti-Corruption & Accountability Advocacy – Documenting violations and pushing evidence-based demands for action.
4. Capacity Building – Training volunteers for peaceful, lawful civic engagement.
5. Sector Advocacy – Extending the call for sanity to health, education, and environment.
6. Digital Advocacy & Youth Empowerment – Using data and digital tools for modern civic responsibility.
“These objectives are why SMEF exists,” Prince Dada said. “Our weapon is data. Our language is sanity. We operate strictly within the law, and every SMEF volunteer carries valid identification and authority.”
ON PARTNERSHIP FOR SECURITY:
Prince Dada further disclosed that, in line with SMEF’s mandate on road safety and accountability, the organization is already working towards strengthening collaboration with government and security institutions.
_“This Kogi deployment is a clear signal that government is ready to act. It gives SMEF further reason to deepen our ongoing internal arrangements to support lawful enforcement and intelligence sharing. We believe partnership between citizens, civil society, and government is the only way to restore lasting sanity on our roads and public spaces,”_ he stated.
Prince Dada urged the Kogi State Government and security agencies to ensure the armoured vans are deployed lawfully:
“Security must come with dignity. Citizens must be protected, not harassed. We call for transparency, accountability, and sustained patrols beyond photo moments.”
CALL TO OTHER STATES:
He concluded by calling on all other state governors and the Federal Government to emulate Kogi:
“If Kogi can say ‘No price too high for security,’ then every state can. The cost of insecurity is always higher than the cost of security. Governors must act now to protect lives, restore confidence on highways, and end extortion at illegal checkpoints.”
Prince Dada affirmed that SMEF remains committed to its assignment: Sanity Must Be It. Enough is enough.
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