By Emmanuel Umahi
Back story: Weng Cabala, a 300L student of the department of Mass Communication, became the elected President of the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOMS) on May 15th, 2024.
She was triumphant, winning a closely contested race, having defeated her opponent, Godfrey Akwashiki Lover, with 9 votes, having acquired 253 votes and the former 244 votes.
She became the second female President in the department’s history after Mercy Agok (who was an interim President of the 2019/2020 academic session) defying long standing gender norms, igniting a new era of leadership within the department.
Weng’s victory is a testament to her unyielding dedication and strategic acumen.
Her campaign was driven by a deep-seated passion for leadership and a desire to challenge the entrenched belief that men are inherently better suited for leadership roles. From the outset, her journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to progressive change within the department, which is renowned for its cutting-edge contributions to the industry.
She had an all-led female campaign team, which worked day and night towards seeing that her victory was a resounding success.
Understanding her opponent’s strengths and weaknesses was a key part of her strategy.
Weng meticulously analyzed the competition, allowing her to tailor her campaign effectively. She orchestrated comprehensive field campaigns and targeted voter outreach with precision, leveraging both online and offline platforms to engage with the student body.
The road to victory was fraught with challenges, particularly as the first female candidate for this position. Many doubted her ability to win, but Weng’s resilience never wavered. “Being the first female to contest in a presidential election was daunting,” she told Unijos Echo. “People said it was impossible, but I drew strength from my team and our shared vision.”
Weng’s approach was as inclusive as it was innovative. She held personal chats and class campaigns, both online and in person, ensuring that every student felt heard. Her campaign team played an instrumental role, mobilizing support and spreading her message of inclusivity and progress.
Her vision for the future of the department is ambitious yet grounded in practical initiatives.
At the core of her platform is the establishment of mentorship programs. “We need spaces where professionals, alumni, and upperclassmen can share their insights on emerging trends,” Weng explains.
These programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of mass communication.
Weng also emphasizes the importance of creating forums for student voices.
“Every student should have the opportunity to air their opinions, whether online or physically,” she said.
By fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and considered, she hopes to build a more inclusive and dynamic department.
Her leadership is poised to inspire future generations of female leaders. “I want my journey to show other women that their leadership dreams are valid,” Weng says. “No matter the doubts others may have, perseverance and dedication can overcome any obstacle.”
The Academic and Leadership Balance
Balancing her new role with academic responsibilities is a challenge Weng is prepared to meet with discipline and careful time management. She sets daily goals for herself, ensuring that her duties as president and her academic work receive equal attention.
Weng draws inspiration from Mrs. Kyermun Dapiya, the Assistant Staff Adviser and lecturer.
“Her relentless drive and remarkable leadership have inspired me since my first year,” Weng shares. “She was once a student in our department and has achieved great success, which gives me hope and motivation.”
As she looks to the future, Weng envisions a department that excels in both theoretical and practical aspects of mass communication. One of her long-term goals is to establish an international talent and skills school, incorporating a technical skills department to provide comprehensive education and training.
Her plans also include organizing an annual Mass Communication summit. This event would bring together students, alumni, and industry leaders to share knowledge and foster collaboration, creating a platform for idea exchange and professional development.
Weng Cabala’s election marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Association of Mass Communication Students. Her leadership promises to usher in an era of inclusivity, progress, and excellence, setting a powerful example for future leaders. As she prepares to take on her new role, the campus community eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of her presidency.
“Never give up on your dreams,” Weng advises. “It will get tough, but with persistence and faith, anything is possible.” Her journey is a powerful reminder that barriers can be broken, and new paths forged, by those with the courage to lead.
