MACOSA Organizes SWAT Workshop to Train Students on Photography

By Ayoola Yesirat Taiwo

The Mass Communication Student Association (MACOSA) of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University recently organized a photography workshop themed "Shoot, Walk And Talk" (SWAT). The event began with the introduction of photographers and familiarisation with the co-hosts and instructors. The students were then divided into groups to explore the aesthetics of various locations, such as the Drama Village, Selfie Garden, the Golf Course, and the Gymnasium.

MACOSA President, Abbas Muhammad, shared his inspiration for organising the SWAT program, indicating his love for photography both as a hobby and a profession, as well as a previous photography event by the university campus press, ABU Campus Press. "We're going to make this program yearly and continuous. Even after we have left, we'd make sure we sponsor the program, and this is just the foundation for the beautiful mansion coming up", he stated. He encouraged students with an interest in any field related to mass communication to share their interests, promising to network them in the right ways.

MACOSA Vice President, Victoria Negedu, also emphasised on the social impact of photography and communication. "It's not only about pictures and fun, it is also about communication and enlightenment", she said.

Speaking to one of the instructors, Atabor Solomon Daniel, he expressed his opinion on how the photography workshop has been a platform to engage and enlighten the students on the importance of photography and content creation. Being a content creator himself, he encouraged students to delve into content creation as it offers a range of opportunities to students even outside of academia. "Photography speaks a thousand words and a very strong one at that", he noted.

Some participants at the event also shared their experiences. Sunday Princess, a 200-level Mass Communication student, said, "The SWAT is a program I didn't expect to be this fun and educative. Although it was stressful and tiring, MACOSA did a wonderful job in organising this program." Another 200-level student, Ojuromi Mojisola added that, "It was an interesting program, and I had quite a lot of fun. As an Exco, I'm proud of MACOSA for organizing this, and more wonderful programs are coming forth."