In today’s fast-paced digital era, we stand at a pivotal moment where technology is reshaping our world and offering innovative solutions to age-old problems. Notably, a wave of tech startups hailing from Africa has emerged onto the global stage, capturing attention and admiration. To sustain this growth and foster its long-term viability, we need visionary champions who genuinely believe in the continent’s potential. One such luminary is Dinah Lugard, a remarkable figure in the fields of electrical engineering, cybersecurity, and now, as the driving force behind ‘The Cure Initiative For Individuals With Substance Abuse NGO’ and SoberTech App.
Dinah Lugard, hailing from the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa, is an innovative founder who has carved a name for herself in the tech landscape. She began her journey as an electrical engineer and cybersecurity expert, eventually becoming an author and the founder of ‘The Cure Initiative For Individuals With Substance Abuse’ and SoberTech. Dinah’s unyielding belief in the power of technology to combat drug addiction led her to create the SoberTech app and establish her NGO.
HOW DINAH CURB DRUG ABUSE
To address the issues of drug abuse on adolescents and youths and improve the wellbeing and lifestyle of drug addicts, Dinah Lugard founded a non-governmental organization as a result of the negative effects of drug abuse on people within her immediate community.
Youths in the country have continued to face challenges such as unemployment, lack of education and family support. In her publications, she noted that idleness, peer pressure and naive curiosity also accounted for the increasing rate of illicit drug consumption among youths in the country.
On some of her measures used in curbing drug abuse among youths and teenagers was the provision of employment, support from families, and creating more awareness by law enforcement.
Her NGO (The Cure Initiative For Individuals With Substance Abuse) has made significant strides by offering rehabilitation programs and conducting outreach initiatives, particularly in secondary schools. One notable accomplishment of Dinah’s NGO, is the documentary titled ‘Drug Pandemic.’ Released on June 26th, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this documentary features survivor stories aimed at raising awareness about addiction.
On August 21st, 2023, Dinah Lugard’s latest book, “Prison Without Bars: Breaking The Chains Of Drug Addiction,” made its debut on Amazon, solidifying her position in the spotlight. This work not only showcases her technical prowess but also underscores her transformative role in aiding individuals in their battle against addiction.
In “Prison Without Bars,” Lugard delves deep into the complex layers of addiction’s impact on individuals, families, and communities. With compassion and expert analysis, she dissects the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to addiction’s grip. Her work emphasizes the profound importance of compassion, community support, and inner strength in the face of adversity.
Dinah is currently spearheading the innovative SoberTech app, with a vision to provide support to individuals struggling with addiction, free from the fear of stigma. According to one of the employee of the NGO, The app is free, aims to assist people on their journey to sobriety, regardless of the type of addiction they battle, with the goal of offering help without judgment or shame.
The firm (SoberTech) has embarked on its inaugural outreach mission in Nigeria and Ghana. Launching the ‘Back To School’ outreach program in five Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Benin, Kano, Kaduna, and Calabar, SoberTech aims to educate students and the wider public about the perils of drug abuse. Their commitment goes beyond awareness-raising; they actively enhance the rehabilitation experience by equipping centers with electronic devices to make the journey to sobriety more effective and enjoyable. This integration of technology into addiction recovery perfectly aligns with their mission of using innovation for positive change.
Her quest to revolutionize addiction recovery through innovative technology, Her SoberTech app recently granted scholarships to four students pursuing tertiary education while undergoing rehabilitation in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Dinah’ contributions to the cybersecurity field earned her to be listed among the Top 20 Young CEOs in Africa award during the 10th edition of the Scream All Youth Awards.
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