In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the idea that culture and technology are two separate realms is fast fading. ISACA Abuja Chapter’s CommunITy Day gave us a glimpse of how beautifully culture and technology can coexist. It was more than a typical tech gathering—an inspiring fusion of local heritage and global digital innovation. The highlight of the event? The spoken word performance by Blossom Ozurumba, a cultural curator with undeniable steeze, wove together culture, language, and cybersecurity in a way that left the audience both captivated and thinking deeply.
Bridging Tradition and Tech
Blossom’s performance stood out as a celebration of culture’s place in the modern, digital world. Through spoken word poetry, she reminded us that technology does not have to erode our cultural identity; instead, it can amplify it. Using her platform as both a tech enthusiast and a cultural advocate, Blossom highlighted that our cultural roots could inform our approach to cybersecurity and digital trust.
As the founding curator of the Igbo Wikimedians User Group, Blossom has been at the forefront of preserving the Igbo language and culture in the digital space. During her performance, she posed a powerful question: “Do our native languages have words for Artificial Intelligence?” For many in the audience, this sparked reflection on how local languages can evolve to include and describe modern innovations like AI, cybersecurity, and digital trust.
The Importance of Cultural Context in Cybersecurity
Blossom’s question gets to the heart of the issue in many ways. In a globalized world, cybersecurity is often discussed using a one-size-fits-all approach. Still, cultural context is critical in understanding and addressing the unique digital challenges different communities face. For example, many phishing scams exploit cultural norms—an area where traditional cybersecurity training may fall short. By recognizing how culture influences online behavior, we can create more effective cybersecurity strategies tailored to local communities.
This sentiment was echoed throughout CommunITy Day, where cultural expression was given a seat at the tech table. While the focus was on cybersecurity, it was clear that local culture and global innovation can coexist—and even enhance one another. We must consider not just the tools and technologies that protect our systems, but also the cultural lenses through which these tools are understood and implemented.
Technology as a Cultural Amplifier
Instead of viewing technology as something that diminishes culture, CommunITy Day framed it to amplify and preserve our heritage. Communities can document their languages, customs, and historical narratives through digital platforms like Wikipedia and other open-source repositories. In this way, technology acts as both a bridge and a safeguard, ensuring that future generations not only engage with their cultural roots but also adapt them to the new realities of the digital age.
A Balance Between Education and Fun
The event wasn’t all serious business, though. CommunITy Day had moments of laughter and light-hearted fun. From cultural exhibitions to interactive sessions, participants enjoyed hands-on experiences that combined local creativity with cutting-edge innovation. There were playful moments where participants were challenged to translate terms like “cybersecurity” and “data protection” into their native languages. The responses ranged from insightful to hilarious, but every moment was a learning opportunity.
Takeaways for the Future
As we move forward in this digital age, ISACA Abuja’s CommunITy Day reminds us of an important lesson: Culture and technology are not at odds. Instead, they are intertwined, each shaping the other in profound ways. Cybersecurity is not just about firewalls and encryption—it’s about people, behaviors, and, yes, culture.
Questions for Reflection:
How does your local culture influence your understanding of cybersecurity?
Can cultural practices or norms enhance your approach to digital security?
What words or concepts in your native language could help you better explain terms like “artificial intelligence” or “data privacy”?
ISACA Abuja Chapter’s CommunITy Day opened the door for these kinds of discussions. We must continue the conversation and explore how we can harmonize our cultural values with the digital innovations shaping our future.
