By Gbenga Thomas
A three-session cybersecurity awareness program on Wellsradio was meant to educate the public. Instead, it sparked an unexpected wave of community engagement that transformed into a regional movement.
Isaac Afolabi, the series host, witnessed the impact firsthand. Phone lines flooded with calls during the first broadcast as listeners shared personal stories of phishing attacks, fake alerts, and social engineering scams. The immediate response revealed a significant knowledge gap in cybersecurity awareness among the general public.
The first episode addressed phishing and social engineering using accessible language. Listeners called in with accounts of lost funds, compromised accounts, and near misses. “People were sharing experiences they had never discussed publicly,” Isaac notes. “For many, it was the first time cybersecurity felt relevant to their daily lives rather than abstract technical concepts.”
The second session covered practical protective measures including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and safe social media practices. According to Isaac, Wellsradio reported significant activity across their digital platforms. Parents sought guidance on protecting children online. Small business owners requested training sessions. The station began posting session clips online, which gained rapid traction.
“It evolved into a genuine community conversation,” Isaac explains. “People wanted step-by-step instructions on implementing security measures.” The third session on data privacy and device security generated the largest response. Schools, youth groups, and local businesses contacted the station requesting additional sessions and in-person training.
The sustained engagement prompted Wellsradio to schedule a fourth session addressing AI-powered scams and deepfakes. The station reported the series had reached thousands of listeners. “When people learned that scammers could clone voices using seconds of audio, the reaction was immediate,” Isaac recalls.
One viral clip attracted attention from a television producer. “They contacted me saying they had been following the sessions and wanted to feature the discussion on their morning show,” Isaac says. The producer saw an opportunity to expand cybersecurity education beyond radio audiences. The upcoming television broadcast aims to reach households, educational institutions, and businesses across the region, transforming the initiative into a comprehensive multi-platform awareness campaign.
Isaac continues receiving invitations from educational institutions and business forums. Wellsradio is developing plans for a quarterly cybersecurity segment to maintain the momentum. “Cybersecurity education becomes effective when you meet people where they are and provide information they can understand and apply immediately,” Isaac reflects. “That is when meaningful change begins.”
The series demonstrated that public demand exists for accessible cybersecurity education. What began as three radio sessions evolved into an ongoing community initiative addressing digital literacy across multiple sectors.
