Aruna Dumbuya, Public Relations Officer of Rokel Commercial Bank, has emphasized that cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) are now deeply interconnected, making public awareness more urgent than ever.

He made these statements during a recent national media program with AYV and STAR Television, where he also outlined the bank’s plan to train 100 cybersecurity champions across the country.

Dumbuya explained that AI is increasingly used across various sectors to improve efficiency. It allows machines to simulate human thinking, often producing faster and more accurate results than manual processes. As a result, more institutions are adopting AI tools to enhance their operations.

However, he warned that while AI brings many benefits, it also introduces serious risks. Since AI systems are developed and programmed by humans, there is always a chance of misuse especially when these systems are connected to digital platforms. He stressed that cybersecurity becomes even more critical in such cases, as the handling of data depends heavily on the intent and integrity of the system’s operators.

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He noted that the risks tied to AI and cybersecurity are closely linked and must be clearly understood by the public. Many people use digital services without fully grasping how their personal data is stored, shared, or exposed through everyday devices.

To address these concerns, Dumbuya said Rokel Commercial Bank is partnering with EST Applied Intelligence, Commonwealth Business Women, and Ecobank to train 100 cybersecurity champions, with the training set to take place in batches of 100 and targeting a total of 5,000 participants.

These individuals will not only learn about digital risks but will also be equipped to educate others within their communities. The goal is for each trained champion to pass on their knowledge to at least 10 others, reaching a minimum of 1,000 people nationwide.

He added that participant selection will span various categories including age groups, professionals, and media practitioners. Bloggers and digital content creators are also being considered. Importantly, the program will extend beyond the Western Area to all districts in Sierra Leone.

According to Dumbuya, the initiative aims to build a national network of individuals who are well-informed about both AI and cybersecurity and can help others safeguard their data in an increasingly digital world. He described digital fraud as a growing threat and emphasized that, while banks work hard to protect customer information, users also have a responsibility to stay informed and vigilant.

He concluded that this training program is a vital step toward strengthening national capacity to manage digital risks. He believes that merging practical knowledge in AI and cybersecurity is key to empowering Sierra Leoneans to stay safer online and take greater control of their digital lives.