An Abuja-based media practitioner, Comrade Yemi Itodo, has called for synergy between journalists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as civil society organisations (CSOs) that were engaged in social works, to fight the menace social vices in the country.
Itodo stated this on Friday in the National Assembly, while receiving a ‘Symbol of Peace for Greater Nigeria’ award, presented to him by Nigerian Women for Peace Initiative, Jos.
He expressed optimism that when the media partners with relevant organisations in creating awareness against rape, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices in the society, the country would be a safer place for all.
Comrade Itodo recalled how he mobilised over 40 groups in an awareness rally against rape in Otukpo, Benue state, in June 2020, and how that had drastically reduced the menace of rape in Idoma land.
“Also, in September this year, I partnered with Miss Idoma Ambassador, Queen Esther Ene Daniels, of Free Image Entertainment, where we trained 100 girls drawn from the nine local government areas of Benue South for one week, on different skills and a takeoff capital of N20,000 was given to all of them.
“From the feedback we got, those girls are well established in their endeavors now and are also empowering others,” he said.
Earlier, leader of the group, Hajia Maryam Sule, noted that Comrade Itodo was not just only a journalist, but a humanitarian par excellence, who had contributed to the emancipation of the youth, especially, the girl-child.
“Comrade Yemi Itodo is morally balanced, highly equipped and socially interesting, who is always behind the scene to ensure the success and betterment of other humans.
“He is a man of great heart, immense strength and sweet nature. He is a man worth 1000 other men. He is a father, not just to his biological children, but to other children, especially, orphans he comes across.
He loves and gives selflessly without expecting anything in return. We can never pay you for all you do for people around you. But we are here to celebrate you and thank you for all you do for humanity,” she said.
